St. Johns Wort for Mood & Mental Health Support

St. Johns Wort is genuinely effective for mild-to-moderate depression in Cochrane-reviewed trials — and genuinely dangerous with common medications.

Overview

St. Johns Wort is genuinely effective for mild-to-moderate depression in Cochrane-reviewed trials — and genuinely dangerous with common medications.

How It Works

Hyperforin inhibits reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate; it also potently induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, the source of its interaction risk.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 300 mg 3x/day standardized to 0.3% hypericin — only if taking no interacting medications.
Expected timeframe: 4-6 weeks

Protocol

form: Standardised extract - WS 5570, LI 160 or ZE 117 are the preparations used in trials; teas and unstandardised products vary unpredictably
duration: 4-6 weeks to judge effect; 4-6 months of continuation if it works
co factor: Take with food. Evidence is strong for depressive symptoms specifically. The Cochrane review of 29 randomised trials in 5,489 patients found St John wort superior to placebo and comparable to standard antidepressants in mild to moderate depression, with better tolerability. Beyond depression the evidence narrows considerably: it has some support in somatoform disorders and menopausal mood symptoms, limited and mixed evidence in anxiety, and it is not an appropriate treatment for bipolar disorder, where it can precipitate mania. It is not a general wellbeing supplement and should be treated as a pharmacologically active antidepressant.
titration: Increase to 300 mg three times daily over the first week
starting dose: 300 mg once or twice daily with food of a standardised Hypericum perforatum extract (0.3% hypericin or 3-5% hyperforin)

Evidence

What the studies say

A Cochrane review of 29 trials found St. Johns Wort superior to placebo and comparable to standard antidepressants for major depression of mild-moderate severity, with fewer side effects. Efficacy in severe depression is not established.

No studies are yet linked to both St. Johns Wort and Mood & Mental Health Support.

Safety

Caveats

Induces metabolism of oral contraceptives, warfarin, immunosuppressants, HIV and cancer drugs; serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs; photosensitivity. Review every medication with a pharmacist first.

Less likely to help if

Anyone on prescription medication should generally choose a different option; severe depression needs clinical treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.