Comparison the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus in hot flushes: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Treating hot flushes in middle-aged women is an important health issue. Recently, Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus were investigated to decrease hot flushes. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus in hot flushes among menopausal women. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. The Hypericum perforatum group received 330 µg Hypericum perforatum and second group received vitex agnus-castus in the same tablet forms. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement for comparing Greene Climacteric Scale. RESULTS: Trend of Greene Climacteric Scale and hot flushness attack were decreased in both groups and it presented a decreasing trend within two months; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It seems that Hypericum perforatum and vitex agnus-castus could be similarly effective in decreasing hot flushes. These two medicines did not have any special severe side effects.