St. John's wort, medically referred to as Hypericum perforatum L., is an herbal supplement that comes from a flowering plant. Proponents for the use of St. John's wort claim that its leaves and flowers contain the active ingredients hypericin and hyperforin, which can be used to improve the symptoms of various conditions. The use of St. John's wort is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Depression
The most common use for St. John's wort is in the treatment of depression. Studies have shown that St. John's wort is more effective than a placebo pill in reducing the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Studies have also shown that the use of St. John's wort is just as effective as tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, according to MayoClinic.com.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that St. John's wort only has a minimal benefit for moderate forms of depression and has no benefit for severe forms of depression. There is also not enough evidence to support the use of St. John's wort for depression in children under the age of 18.
Somatoform Disorders
Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that occur as a result of psychological factors. Those with somatoform disorders have normal medical tests and evaluations, although symptoms may persist for several years. Early studies have shown that St. John's wort may help reduce the physical symptoms of somatoform disorders after approximately six weeks of treatment. MayoClinic.com notes that further research is needed before any conclusive statements can be made.
Premenstrual Syndrome and Menopause
Studies have shown that supplementation with St. John's wort may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by approximately 50 percent. St. John's wort may also reduce the symptoms of menopause when taken in conjunction with black cohosh, another herbal supplement. Research for these uses of St. John's wort is preliminary and further study is needed before definitive statements can be made.
Side Effects
Most people can tolerate St. John's wort for one to three months without experiencing any adverse health reactions. When side effects do occur, they may include fatigue, stomach pain, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, headache and dry mouth. The use of St. John's wort has also been associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as suicidal and homicidal thoughts, according to MayoClinic.com. You should only use St. John's wort under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. The herbal supplement should not be used to treated serious conditions in place of regular medical care.
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