St. John's Wort

High Research Quality

Description

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal remedy commonly used for mild to moderate depression.

Benefits

Evidence-supported benefits:

Effective for mild to moderate depression

Claimed benefits (insufficient evidence):

Improved mood (claimed)

Reduced anxiety (claimed)

Recommended Usage

300 mg standardized extract (0.3% hypericin), three times daily.

Research Quality

4/5

Strong evidence from multiple high-quality studies.

Research Evidence

St John's wort for major depression2008

Linde K, et al.

Methodology

Cochrane review

Participants

0 subjects

Key Outcomes

Confirmed effectiveness for mild to moderate depression across 29 trials

Linde et al. (2008)

Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract compared to placebo in patients with major depression2006

Kasper S, et al.

Methodology

Randomized controlled trial

Participants

332 subjects

Key Outcomes

Comparable efficacy to standard antidepressants

Kasper et al. (2006). BMJ

Efficacy of St. John's wort extract on depressive symptoms in patients with depression: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2017

Ng QX, et al.

Methodology

Meta-analysis

Participants

0 subjects

Key Outcomes

Confirmed efficacy and safety profile

Ng et al. (2017). Journal of Affective Disorders

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.