The efficacy and safety of St. Johns wort extract in depression therapy compared to SSRIs in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Zhao X, et al
Published in Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing standardized St John's wort extract with SSRIs in adults with depression, pooling HAMD change, response rates and adverse events.
Key Findings
Pooled randomized trials found St John's wort extract comparable to SSRIs in reducing Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and response rates in mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer adverse events and lower dropout due to side effects.
Conclusions
Our research supports the use of SJW as it reduced the number of depressive patients and their HAMD scores while having fewer risks and side effects than conventional medications.
Limitations
Heterogeneous extracts and doses, mostly short trials in mild-to-moderate depression, several trials at risk of bias, and no evaluation of the substantial drug-interaction risk of hypericum.
Supplements Studied
Our research supports the use of SJW as it reduced the number of depressive patients and their HAMD scores while having fewer risks and side effects than conventional medications.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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