A recent article in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2006;107:247-255) found that black cohosh and St. John’s wort were effective against menopausal complaints.

A randomized trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of this fixed combination of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) extracts in women with menopausal complaints with a pronounced psychological component.

In the double-blind randomized placebo-control study, 301 women experiencing menopausal complaints with psychological symptoms were treated with ethanolic St. John’s wort extract and isopropanolic black cohosh extract or a matched placebo for 16 weeks. Menopausal complaints were evaluated by means of the Menopause Rating Scale mean score, and psychological complaints were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale sum score.

Results proved that the mean Menopause Rating Scale score decreased 50% in the treatment group and 19.6% in the placebo group. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score decreased 42% in the treatment group (18.9 ± 2.2 to 11.0 ± 3.8 points), and 12.7% in the placebo group (18.9 ± 2.1 to 16.5 ± 4.3). According to research, the treatment was significantly (P < .001) superior to placebo in both measures. There were no relevant group differences regarding adverse events, laboratory values or tolerability.

It was therefore concluded that this fixed combination of black cohosh and St. John’s wort is superior to placebo in alleviating menopausal complaints, including the related psychological component.