Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum and Agnus castus in the treatment of climacteric complaints: a systematic review

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Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum and Agnus castus in the treatment of climacteric complaints: a systematic review

Laakmann et al., 2012 | Gynecol Endocrinol | Systematic Review

Citation

Laakmann Elena, Grajecki Donata, ... Buhling Kai J. Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa, Hypericum perforatum and Agnus castus in the treatment of climacteric complaints: a systematic review. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012-Sep;28(9):703-9. doi:10.3109/09513590.2011.650772

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The systematic review examines whether Cimicifuga racemosa (CR), Hypericum perforatum (HP), Agnus castus, vitamins and minerals, either as monotherapy or in combination, have an evidence-based impact on vasomotor, genital and psychological climacteric complaints. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We searched in the databases EMBASE, OVID and PubMed using the keywords "vasomotor symptoms, hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, psychological problems, endometrium, sleep, concentration, cognition in combination with vitamins, multivitamins, minerals, multiminerals, black cohosh, Cimicifuga, Agnus castus, chasteberry, chaste tree, monk's pepper and menopause" for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Relevant studies were reviewed by four independent reviewers qualitatively. RESULTS: Most of the studies with a comparison of CR vs. placebo do not show an evidence-based significant effect of CR on climacteric symptoms. The combination of CR and HP shows an improvement of climacteric complaints in comparison to placebo. In some RCTs, there was no significant difference between CR and hormone-replacement therapy. The combination of HP and Agnus castus showed no significant difference in the treatment of climacteric complaints. CONCLUSION: CR monotherapy as well as HP and Agnus castus showed no better effect than placebo. The combination of CR with HP demonstrated a positive effect on climacteric complaints.

Key Findings

Most of the studies with a comparison of CR vs. placebo do not show an evidence-based significant effect of CR on climacteric symptoms. The combination of CR and HP shows an improvement of climacteric complaints in comparison to placebo. In some RCTs, there was no significant difference between CR and hormone-replacement therapy. The combination of HP and Agnus castus showed no significant difference in the treatment of climacteric complaints.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Cimicifuga
  • Climacteric
  • Hot Flashes
  • Humans
  • Hypericum
  • Menopause
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Vitex

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09