The St. John's wort is a plant belonging to the Hypericaceae family whose yellow flowers contain many active substances, such as hypericin and hyperforin. St. John's wort has long been used as a medicinal plant for a variety of conditions. Nowadays, St. John's wort is mainly known for its use in cases of depression. Let's learn more about this dietary supplement.
St. John's wort and depression
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of St. John's wort in relieving symptoms of mild to moderate depression, as well as in major depression. In summary, some studies show that St. John's wort may be effective in mild to moderate depression, but not in major depression.
Published in 2017, a meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials involving a total of 3808 participants compared St. John's wort to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant. In patients suffering from depression, St. John's wort had comparable response and remission rates, but a lower dropout/interruption rate compared to SSRIs. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of St. John's wort remain uncertain since the included studies all lasted from 4 to 12 weeks. Moreover, this meta-analysis does not determine whether St. John's wort would be beneficial in severe depression. In conclusion, St. John's wort appears to have efficacy and safety comparable to SSRIs in mild to moderate depression. However, longer-term studies are needed. (see the article: Anxious? Here are some tips to reduce your anxiety level)
Possible side effects of St. John's wort
St. John's wort can cause various side effects. Among these are photosensitivity (an increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight), dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., constipation), dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. Additionally, St. John's wort is not recommended for pregnant women.
Possible interactions of St. John's wort with medications
St. John's wort can interact with many medications, such as antidepressants, oral contraceptives, certain heart medications, some HIV medications, some cancer drugs, certain anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), and some statins (e.g., simvastatin). These interactions can cause a decrease in the medication's effectiveness or toxic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to discuss any dietary supplements you take with a healthcare professional.
Finally, depression can be a serious illness. If you think you are suffering from depression, consult a healthcare professional.
References
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/st-john-s-wort
- https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/st-john-s-wort
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-johns-wort
- Ng, Q. X., Venkatanarayanan, N., & Ho, C. Y. (2017). Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 210, 211–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048
- https://herbierduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/plante/millepertuis-du-canada