Evidence supporting the use of: Hypericum (unspecified)
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Hypericum, commonly known as St. John’s Wort, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, most notably for its mood-modulating effects. Its application for menopause is largely grounded in traditional and empirical use rather than robust scientific validation. Many women experiencing menopause report symptoms such as mood swings, mild depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Because Hypericum has been shown to have mild to moderate antidepressant effects in some clinical trials (primarily in non-menopausal populations), traditional practitioners sometimes recommend it for alleviating menopausal mood symptoms.
However, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating Hypericum for core menopausal symptoms—such as hot flashes, night sweats, or hormonal regulation—are limited. Some small studies and observational reports suggest it may modestly improve mood and quality of life in menopausal women, particularly when depression is present. Still, systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that the evidence base is insufficient and inconsistent for firm recommendations. Thus, its use for menopause is primarily justified by tradition and anecdotal experience rather than a well-established scientific rationale.
In summary, while Hypericum is traditionally used to support women during menopause, especially for mood-related symptoms, scientific validation specific to menopause is weak. Caution is advised due to potential drug interactions, particularly with antidepressants and hormonal therapies.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Hypericum (unspecified)
Addictions (general remedies for)Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Inflammation
Menopause
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Wounds and Sores