St. John's Wort: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Risks

Overview

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom around St. John the Baptist's birthday. The term "wort" means "plant" in Old English. For centuries, traditional medicine has used St. John's wort to treat various ailments, including depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

Benefits of St. John's Wort

• Potential relief for mild to moderate depression
• Possible management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms
• May alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause
• Potential improvement of sleep quality
• Possible antibacterial and antiviral properties
• Potential reduction of inflammation
• Potential protection against certain types of cancer

Research on St. John's Wort for Depression

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of St. John's wort in treating mild to moderate depression. A review of studies conducted in 2015 concluded that St. John's wort was more effective than a placebo in alleviating depression symptoms and had fewer side effects compared to antidepressant medications. Another study demonstrated that St. John's wort was equally effective as the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating mild to moderate depression.

Possible Side Effects of St. John's Wort

St. John's wort is generally well-tolerated, but it may cause certain side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Skin rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Potential Drug Interactions with St. John's Wort

St. John's wort can interact with various medications, such as:

• Antidepressants
• Blood thinners
• Oral contraceptives
• Immunosuppressants
• Anticonvulsants
• Digoxin
• Warfarin
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus

Contraindications for St. John's Wort

St. John's wort should not be used by individuals who:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are taking antidepressants or other medications that interact with St. John's wort
• Have a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
• Have a history of organ transplant
• Have a history of cancer

Dosage and Preparation of St. John's Wort

The recommended dosage of St. John's wort varies depending on the condition being treated. For mild to moderate depression, the typical dose is 300 mg of dried herb, taken three times per day. St. John's wort is also available in capsule, tablet, and tea form.

Choosing a St. John's Wort Product

When selecting a St. John's wort product, consider the following:

• Look for products standardized to contain a specific amount of hypericin, the active ingredient in St. John's wort.
• Choose products from reputable manufacturers.

Risks and Warnings

St. John's wort can interact with a variety of medications, so consulting your doctor before taking it is crucial if you are taking any medications. St. John's wort can also cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarely, more severe side effects such as seizures and liver damage can occur.