St John's wort for depression: what's the evidence?

Hosp Med. 2001 May;62(5):274-6. doi: 10.12968/hosp.2001.62.5.1569.

Abstract

There is a moderate amount of evidence to suggest that St John's wort is better than placebo in the short-term management of mild to moderate depressive illness, but there is increasing concern over reports of drug interactions. This article examines the scientific evidence and discusses relevant clinical issues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Depression / therapy*
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Hypericum / adverse effects
  • Hypericum / therapeutic use*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors