Hypericum extract LI 160 and fluoxetine in mild to moderate depression: a randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center study in outpatients

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#adult #analysis-of-variance #antidepressive-agents-second-generation #chi-square-distribution #depression

Hypericum extract LI 160 and fluoxetine in mild to moderate depression: a randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center study in outpatients

Bjerkenstedt et al., 2005 | Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci | Rct

Citation

Bjerkenstedt Lars, Edman Gunnar V, ... Mannel Marcus. Hypericum extract LI 160 and fluoxetine in mild to moderate depression: a randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center study in outpatients. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2005-Feb;255(1):40-7

Abstract

Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum LI 160 was compared to fluoxetine and placebo in mild to moderate Major Depression (DSM-IV) in a 4-week randomized, double-blind trial. One hundred and sixty-three outpatients from 15 general practitioner centers received either 900 mg Hypericum LI 160, 20 mg fluoxetine, or placebo daily. Amelioration was measured by the Hamilton and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression scales. Response and remission rates and global ratings by investigators and patients were measured. Adverse event reports, laboratory screening, vital signs, physical exams and ECG were collected. No significant differences could be observed regarding efficacy measures except for remission rate (Hypericum 24%; fluoxetine 28%; placebo 7 %). Hypericum was significantly better tolerated than fluoxetine. Hypericum LI 160 or fluoxetine were not more effective in short-term treatment in mild to moderate depression than placebo.

Key Findings

Hypericum LI 160 or fluoxetine were not more effective in short-term treatment in mild to moderate depression than placebo.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Depression
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypericum
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatients
  • Plant Extracts
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: st-johns-wort

Provenance

  • PMID: 15538592
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09