St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)--a herbal antidepressant

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#chemistry-pharmaceutical #depressive-disorder #ericales #humans #phytotherapy

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)--a herbal antidepressant

Hippius et al., 1998 | Curr Med Res Opin | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hippius H. St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)--a herbal antidepressant. Curr Med Res Opin. 1998;14(3):171-84

Abstract

A number of clinical studies conducted over the past few years have indicated that whole extract of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) has antidepressant effects. The herbal antidepressant St John's wort offers promising results in the treatment of patients with mild and moderate depression (response rate of 60-70% estimated by analysis of pooled data). St John's wort preparations are well tolerated. Their use rarely leads to adverse drug reactions which, when they do occur, are mainly subjective symptoms (e.g. gastrointestinal, dizziness). The generally good tolerability of St John's wort preparations and the resulting high patient compliance in taking the prescribed medication, in conjunction with their efficacy in mild and moderate depression, make these preparations particularly suitable for use in outpatient practice. Tolerability is also very good in elderly patients. If a sufficiently high-dose course of treatment with St John's wort preparations (900 mg daily) does not lead to a clear improvement in depression after four to six weeks, therapy should be continued with an established ('classical') antidepressant.

Key Findings

If a sufficiently high-dose course of treatment with St John's wort preparations (900 mg daily) does not lead to a clear improvement in depression after four to six weeks, therapy should be continued with an established ('classical') antidepressant.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Ericales
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Research Design
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

  • PMID: 9787983
  • 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