St John's wort for major depression
Linde K, Berner MM, Kriston L
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review of 29 randomized trials (5,489 patients) of Hypericum perforatum extracts in major depression.
Key Findings
Hypericum extracts were superior to placebo and similarly effective to standard antidepressants, with fewer adverse effects; trials from German-speaking countries reported larger effects.
Conclusions
St John's wort is effective for mild to moderate major depression with better tolerability than standard antidepressants.
Limitations
Country-of-origin effect suggests bias; extracts and doses varied widely.
Supplements Studied
St John's wort is effective for mild to moderate major depression with better tolerability than standard antidepressants.
Outcomes Measured
Hypericum extracts were superior to placebo and similarly effective to standard antidepressants.
St John's wort was superior to placebo and comparable to standard antidepressants with fewer adverse effects
St John's wort was superior to placebo and comparable to standard antidepressants
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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