Depression is a common but distressing mental disorders that affects 18 million Americans each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms, which may include overwhelming sadness, anger, frustration and feelings of hoplessness may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy or prescription drugs, or both. Exercise and light therapy may also help to lift a low mood. The herb, Hypericum perforatum, more commonly known as St. John's wort, is also indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Always get sound medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Hypericum perforatum, or St. John's wort, is a yellow flowered plant named after St. John the Baptist. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, its use as a medicinal remedy for mental disorders goes back to ancient Greece. It contains a host of active compound, but one in particular, known as hypericin, is likely responsible for this herb's antidepressant effects, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Dosage
Hypericum perforatum may be taken as a tea or liquid extract, but is most commonly administered in tablets and capsules. UMMC notes that taking 300 mg of Hypericum perforatum two to three times per day may help to relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression. This dosage should only be used as a guideline; ask your doctor or pharmacist what is suitable for you.
Clinical Evidence
A number of studies have found that Hypericum perforatum is an effective antidepressant. For example, an analysis of data from clinical trial findings published in the November 2010 issue of "European Neuropsychopharmacology" concludes that Hypericum perforatum extracts are significantly more effective than placebo with at least similar efficacy to prescription antidepressant drugs. An analysis of findings from 29 clinical studies, published in the October 2008 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" also concludes that Hypericum perforatum is superior to placebo in patients with major depression and is similarly effective as standard antidepressants.
Safety Considerations
Hypericum perforatum may cause numerous side effects including increased sensitivity to sunlight, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset and headache. It might also interact with other medicines you may be taking including seizure-control drugs, birth control pills and the HIV drug, indinavir, cholesterol-lowering drugs and tricyclic antidepressants. Don't use Hypericum perforatum if you are undergoing chemotherapy or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: St. John's Wort
- "European Neuropsychopharmacology"; Efficacy and Tolerability of Hypericum Extract for the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression; S. Kasper, et al.; Movember 2010
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; St John's Wort for Major Depression; K. Linde et al.; October 2008
