Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Labisia pumila

Botanical

Useful mainly for postmenopausal or perimenopausal women interested in a traditional women's-health botanical, with realistic expectations.

Quick decision guide

May help most

postmenopausal or perimenopausal women interested in a traditional women's-health botanical, with realistic expectations

Common dosing range

~280-560 mg/day standardized extract used in some studies

When to expect effects

Weeks to months

Watch out for

Human evidence is sparse; possible hormone-related (estrogenic) activity is not well characterized

What is it

Labisia pumila (also classified as Marantodes pumilum), known in Malaysia as Kacip Fatimah, is a herb traditionally used by women for postpartum recovery and reproductive health. Its extracts contain flavonoids and phenolic acids and have been studied mainly in cell and animal models, with only a few small human trials. Evidence in people is limited.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You want a traditional women's-health botanical and accept weak human evidence
You will monitor how you respond

Probably skip if…

You want proven relief of menopausal symptoms
You have a hormone-sensitive condition
You want robust safety and dosing data

Evidence at a glance

menopausal and women's reproductive health support

Limited Evidence
Effect
Uncertain / modest
Best fit
peri- and postmenopausal women
Time
Weeks to months

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

menopausal and women's reproductive health support

Supplement benefit
Limited Evidence

A small number of human studies of standardized Labisia pumila extract suggest possible improvements in postmenopausal well-being and metabolic or bone-related markers, supported by estrogenic and antioxidant activity in preclinical models. The human evidence is sparse and preliminary, and effects are not firmly established.

Effect size
Uncertain / modest
Time to effect
Weeks to months
Best fit
peri- and postmenopausal women

Bottom line: It may offer modest support for postmenopausal women, but human evidence is too limited to be confident.

Evidence is mixed

Findings come from a few small trials with varied endpoints and extract types, so benefits and the role of estrogenic activity remain uncertain.

How to take it

1. Typical dose
~280-560 mg/day standardized extract
2. Timing
With a meal
3. With food
With food
4. How long to try
Trial 8-12 weeks

What to track

Menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flushes, well-being)
Tolerability
Any unusual hormonal or menstrual changes

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

mild gastrointestinal upset

Who should avoid it

  • women with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer) due to possible estrogenic activity
  • pregnant or breastfeeding people

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy; traditional postpartum use does not establish safety and high doses have raised concerns in animal studies.

Interactions

hormone therapy or hormone-sensitive conditionsModerate

Possible estrogenic activity could add to or interfere with hormonal treatments

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

Standardized Labisia pumila/Marantodes pumilum extract
Specified plant part and extraction ratio
Heavy-metal/contaminant testing

Be skeptical of…

Natural hormone replacement
Boosts fertility
Cures menopausal symptoms

References by claim

menopausal and women's reproductive health support

Norhayati et al., 2014 — PubMed (2014) link

Track Labisia pumila with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora app.

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Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.