St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort
Snapshot
St. John’s Wort is a flowering herb traditionally used to support mood balance, mild to moderate depression relief, and nervous system health through its active compounds hypericins and hyperforin.
What is St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort is an herbal extract derived from the bright yellow flowering tops of the Hypericum perforatum plant. Its bioactive constituents—including naphthodianthrones (hypericin), phloroglucinols (hyperforin), and flavonoids—contribute to its mood‑modulating and neuroprotective effects.
Where It Comes From
The flowering tops are harvested at peak bloom, shade‑dried to preserve light‑sensitive compounds, and extracted using ethanol or water‑alcohol mixtures. The concentrated extract is then spray‑dried or formulated into capsules, tablets, or tinctures standardized for hypericin and hyperforin content.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides standardized levels of hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids (rutin, quercetin) that work synergistically to inhibit reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and to support neuronal health.
Health Benefits
St. John’s Wort supports healthy mood and emotional well‑being by modulating neurotransmitter activity; may alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression; exhibits anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the nervous system; and can aid in stress resilience.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts typically deliver 300 mg taken two to three times daily, standardized to 0.3% hypericin (equivalent to 900–1,200 mg total extract per day). Consistency over 4–6 weeks is recommended to assess full therapeutic effect.
How to Use It
Take capsules or tablets with a meal to enhance absorption. Avoid exposure to bright sunlight on treated skin areas, as St. John’s Wort can increase photosensitivity. Do not discontinue abruptly—taper use under guidance if needed.
Who Should Use It?
Adults experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms, low mood, or stress may benefit. Not recommended for severe depression or bipolar disorder without psychiatric supervision. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with other medications.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Extensive drug interactions occur via induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4) and P‑glycoprotein, reducing efficacy of birth control pills, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and many others. May increase photosensitivity; avoid concurrent use of SSRIs to prevent serotonin syndrome. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
Final Thoughts
St. John’s Wort offers a natural option for mood support and stress relief, but its significant interaction profile necessitates careful medical supervision. Consistent dosing and monitoring ensure safe, effective use.
Scientific Studies
Linde K, et al. St John’s wort for major depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(4):CD000448. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000448.pub3
Ng QX, et al. Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) in depression: A meta‑analysis. J Affect Disord. 2017;210:211–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.070
Shelton RC, Keller MB, Gelenberg AJ, et al. Effectiveness of St John’s wort in major depression: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2001;285(15):1978–1986. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.15.1978