Hypericum perforatum L. preparations for menopause: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety

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#adult #confidence-intervals #depression #female #hot-flashes

Hypericum perforatum L. preparations for menopause: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety

Liu et al., 2014 | Climacteric | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liu Y-R, Jiang Y-L, ... Dong J-X. Hypericum perforatum L. preparations for menopause: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety. Climacteric. 2014-Aug;17(4):325-35. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.861814

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare by meta-analysis the efficacy and adverse events of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort), or its combinations, and placebo for menopausal women. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out by searching in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase and the Web of Science database. RESULTS: Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. and its combination with herbs were significantly superior to placebo (standard mean difference = -1.08; 95% confidence interval -1.38 to -0.77); extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. proved to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of menopause. Adverse events occurred in 53 (17.4%) patients on Hypericum perforatum L. preparations and 45 (15.4%) patients on placebo (relative risk = 1.16; 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.66). CONCLUSION: Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. have possibly fewer side-effects than placebo for the treatment of menopausal women.

Key Findings

Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. and its combination with herbs were significantly superior to placebo (standard mean difference = -1.08; 95% confidence interval -1.38 to -0.77); extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. proved to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of menopause. Adverse events occurred in 53 (17.4%) patients on Hypericum perforatum L. preparations and 45 (15.4%) patients on placebo (relative risk = 1.16; 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.66).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Depression
  • Female
  • Hot Flashes
  • Humans
  • Hypericum
  • Menopause
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

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