St. John's Wort, derived from the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum, has been used in traditional herbalism for centuries and is now one of the most widely studied botanical supplements. Research suggests that standardized extracts, typically concentrated for the active compound hypericin, may offer meaningful support for mild to moderate depressive symptoms, with several clinical trials comparing its effects favorably to conventional approaches while noting fewer reported side effects. Studies also indicate potential benefits for anxiety relief, menopausal mood changes, and topical wound healing, though evidence in these areas remains more preliminary. It is worth noting that St. John's Wort has well-documented interactions with numerous medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and blood thinners, making informed conversations with a healthcare provider especially important.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that St. John's Wort may offer meaningful benefits for menopausal women, particularly for mood-rela...
View studies →Research suggests that St. John's wort, particularly its active compounds hyperforin and hypericin, shows promise as ...
View studies →Research suggests that St. John's Wort may have a role in supporting relief from anxiety symptoms, particularly withi...
View studies →Research suggests that the single available study linked here does not directly address St. John's Wort's use for dep...
View studies →Both increase serotonin levels and combining them significantly raises the risk of serotonin synd...
View details →Both increase serotonin activity and combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.
View details →Combining serotonin-boosting supplements increases risk of serotonin syndrome.
View details →St. John's Wort may reduce melatonin effectiveness by increasing its metabolism.
View details →St. John's Wort may reduce CoQ10 levels by inducing CYP enzymes that metabolize it.
View details →St. John's Wort may increase vitamin D metabolism, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
View details →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extract | 300–600 mg | Daily | Anxiety relief | Common in clinical trials targeting mild anxiety symptoms |
| Extract | 300 mg | Three times daily | Depression support | Most common dose in RCTs; standardized to 0.3% hypericin |
| Extract | 600–900 mg | Daily | Depression support | Used in clinical trials as once or twice daily dosing regimens |
| Extract | 300–900 mg | Daily | Menopause support | Used in RCTs for menopausal symptom relief, often combined with black cohosh |
| Topical | 1.5–5 mg | As needed | Wound healing | Topical preparations used in clinical studies for wound and burn healing |