Depression: St. John’s Wort, Evidence, Interactions & Safety

Depression is another area where an herb can look simple until you look at the medication interactions. St. John’s wort is the classic example.

Quick answer

NCCIH says St. John’s wort is not consistently effective for depression. Some studies have found benefit in some forms of depression, while others have not, so it should not be treated as a proven replacement for conventional care.

The interaction problem

St. John’s wort can weaken the effects of many medicines, including some antidepressants, birth-control pills, cyclosporine, certain HIV drugs, some cancer medicines, digoxin, warfarin, and others. Combining it with certain antidepressants can also cause potentially dangerous serotonin-related effects.

Evidence strength

Norene’s Farmacy rating: MIXED HUMAN EVIDENCE WITH HIGH INTERACTION BURDEN.

What we do not claim

We do not claim that St. John’s wort or any other herb treats depression or replaces psychotherapy, medication, or professional care.

Source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth.

Dr. Village Reports is educational information and product guidance, not medical advice.