St. John's wort

Related Terms

Adhyperforin, Amber touch-and-heal, amino acids, arnica of the nerves, balm-of-warrior's wound, balsana, bassant, Blutkraut, bossant, Calmigen?, corancillo, dendlu, devil's scorge, Eisenblut, flor de S?o Jo?o, flavonoids, fuga daemonum, goatweed hartheu, heofarigo on, herba de millepertius, herba hyperici, Herrgottsblut, Hexenkraut, hierba de San Juan (Spanish), hiperic?o (Portuguese), hip?rico (Spanish), hipericon, HP, hyperforin, hypericin, Hypericum extract ZE 117, Hypericum perforatum L, isorhamnetin, Jarsin, Johanniskraut, klammath weed, Liebeskraut, LI 160, LoHyp-57, lord God's wonder plant, melatonin, millepertius pelicao, naphthodianthrones, oligomeric procyanidines, perforate, phloroglucinols, pinillo de oro, PM235, pseudohypericin, quercetin, rosin rose, rutin, Sedariston?, SJW, SJW extract LI 160, St. John's wort WS 5572, STW 3-VI, tenturotou, Teufelsflucht, touch and heal, Walpurgiskraut (German), witcher's herb, WS? 5570, WS 5572, WS 5573, xanthones, ZE117.

Background

Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort) have been recommended traditionally for a wide range of medical conditions. The most common modern-day use of St. John's wort is for depression. Studies have shown St. John's wort may be equally effective as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants for mild to moderate depression.
Overall, the evidence suggests St. John's wort may be effective for in mild-to-moderate depression. The evidence for severe depression remains unclear.
St. John's wort may cause serious interactions with prescription drugs, herbs, or supplements. Therefore, people using any medications should consult their healthcare providers, including a pharmacist, prior to starting therapy.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Human research suggests that St. John's wort is more effective than placebo and equally as effective as TCAs and SSRIs in the short-term for mild-to-moderate depression. Although St. John's wort has been shown to have fewer side effects than SSRIs, it should be used with caution and guidance of a medical professional.

A


Human research suggests that St. John's wort is more effective than placebo and equally as effective as TCAs and SSRIs in the short-term for mild-to-moderate depression. Although St. John's wort has been shown to have fewer side effects than SSRIs, it should be used with caution and guidance of a medical professional.

A


Somatoform disorders are mental symptoms such as pain and fear that lack a physical source or reason for their existence. Early evidence shows that St. John's wort may help with somatoform disorders. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 B


Somatoform disorders are mental symptoms such as pain and fear that lack a physical source or reason for their existence. Early evidence shows that St. John's wort may help with somatoform disorders. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 B


Early research has shown promising effects of St. John's wort for anxiety disorders. High quality evidence is lacking. Further research is needed to make conclusions.

 C


Early research has shown promising effects of St. John's wort for anxiety disorders. High quality evidence is lacking. Further research is needed to make conclusions.

 C


Early research of hypericum-cream had shown positive results for atopic dermatitis, or itchy and scaly rashes. Further studies are needed before a firm recommendation can be made.

C


Early research of hypericum-cream had shown positive results for atopic dermatitis, or itchy and scaly rashes. Further studies are needed before a firm recommendation can be made.

C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment in children with ADHD. More study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment in children with ADHD. More study is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


A combination product including St. John's wort improved healing for diabetic foot ulcers and bone disease. Further study of St. John's wort alone is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


A combination product including St. John's wort improved healing for diabetic foot ulcers and bone disease. Further study of St. John's wort alone is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early human study showed effectiveness of St. John's wort in decreasing brain tumor size. Further study is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early human study showed effectiveness of St. John's wort in decreasing brain tumor size. Further study is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early research suggested effectiveness of St. John's wort for depression in children. Higher quality research is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early research suggested effectiveness of St. John's wort for depression in children. Higher quality research is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Although human research is promising, the effectiveness of St. John's wort for severe depression is unclear. Additional well-designed research needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Although human research is promising, the effectiveness of St. John's wort for severe depression is unclear. Additional well-designed research needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Early research shows that a combination product containing St. John's wort improved symptoms of herpes. Further research is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early research shows that a combination product containing St. John's wort improved symptoms of herpes. Further research is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Sufficient evidence is lacking to recommend St. John's wort for menopausal symptoms such as depressed mood and hot flashes. More research is needed.

 C


Sufficient evidence is lacking to recommend St. John's wort for menopausal symptoms such as depressed mood and hot flashes. More research is needed.

 C


Early study shows that St. John's wort may help nerve pain. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early study shows that St. John's wort may help nerve pain. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

 C


Evidence for the use of St. John's wort in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is conflicting. Further research is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Evidence for the use of St. John's wort in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is conflicting. Further research is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment for pain associated with burning mouth syndrome. More research is needed.

 C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment for pain associated with burning mouth syndrome. More research is needed.

 C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment for pain after surgery. More research is needed.

 C


It is unclear whether St. John's wort is an effective treatment for pain after surgery. More research is needed.

 C


The effectiveness of St. John's wort for PMS symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings is unclear. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


The effectiveness of St. John's wort for PMS symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and cravings is unclear. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Although early research is promising, there is insufficient evidence supporting the use St. John's wort for depression due to SAD. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Although early research is promising, there is insufficient evidence supporting the use St. John's wort for depression due to SAD. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research shows the effectiveness of St. John's wort in treating various skin disorders. Further study is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Limited research shows the effectiveness of St. John's wort in treating various skin disorders. Further study is warranted before a conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Early research shows the effectiveness of St. John's wort for smoking cessation or in helping to quit smoking. Further research is warranted before conclusions may be made.

C


Early research shows the effectiveness of St. John's wort for smoking cessation or in helping to quit smoking. Further research is warranted before conclusions may be made.

C


The effectiveness of St. John's wort for social phobia is unclear. More study is needed.

 C


The effectiveness of St. John's wort for social phobia is unclear. More study is needed.

 C


Early research shows that a combination product containing St. John's wort was effective for weight loss. Further research of St. John's wort alone is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

C


Early research shows that a combination product containing St. John's wort was effective for weight loss. Further research of St. John's wort alone is needed before a conclusion may be drawn.

C


Limited research shows that St. John's wort improved wound healing and decreased the formation of scars. Further study is warranted before a firm conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Limited research shows that St. John's wort improved wound healing and decreased the formation of scars. Further study is warranted before a firm conclusion may be drawn.

 C


Non-human research shows anti-viral effects of St. John's wort in AIDS/HIV, but these effects in human research are lacking. There have been multiple reports of significant adverse effects and interactions with drugs used for HIV/AIDS, such as protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Therefore, patients treated for HIV/AIDS should avoid St. John's wort.

 D


Non-human research shows anti-viral effects of St. John's wort in AIDS/HIV, but these effects in human research are lacking. There have been multiple reports of significant adverse effects and interactions with drugs used for HIV/AIDS, such as protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Therefore, patients treated for HIV/AIDS should avoid St. John's wort.

 D


Human research shows a lack of effectiveness and possible harm of St. John's wort in IBS. Overall, there is a lack of quality research. Further research is required.

 D


Human research shows a lack of effectiveness and possible harm of St. John's wort in IBS. Overall, there is a lack of quality research. Further research is required.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
For anxiety, 900 milligrams of St. John's wort has been taken by mouth twice daily for several weeks.
For cancer, 0.05-0.50 milligrams per kilogram of hypericin has been taken by mouth for up to three months.
For mild to moderate depression, 20-1,800 milligrams St. John's wort has been taken by mouth once to three times for 4-52 weeks. Extracts of St. John's wort used in studies included WS? 5570, WS 5572, WS 5573, ZE 117, STW 3-VI, STW3, PM235, LoHyp-57, LI 160, Psychotonin? forte extract,and Hyperforat? and were generally standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin and 2-5% hyperforin.
For severe depression, 900-1,800 milligrams of St. John's wort (extracts LI 160 and WS? 5570) has been taken by mouth daily for 8-12 weeks.
For HIV, 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of hypericin has been taken by mouth, without evidence of benefit.
For irritable bowel syndrome, 450 milligrams of St. John's wort has been taken twice daily for 12 weeks, without evidence benefit.
For nerve pain, three 900 microgram hypericin tablets were taken by mouth for two treatment periods of five weeks each.
For obsessive-compulsive disorder, 450-1,800 milligrams (standardized to 0.3% hypericin) were taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
For pain due to burning mouth syndrome, 300 milligram capsules of St. John's wort (containing hypericin 0.31% and hyperforin 3.0%) have been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks.
For menopausal symptoms, 300 milligrams St. John's wort (Kira?) has been taken by mouth three times daily for 12 weeks and 0.4mg hypericin drops (Hyperforat?) has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
For premenstrual syndrome (PMS), 300-900 milligrams St. John's wort (standardized to 3.38% hyperforin and 0.18% hypericin) or 1,360 micrograms of hypericin have been taken by mouth daily for two menstrual cycles.
For seasonal affective disorder (SAD), 900 milligrams and unspecified doses of St. John's wort (LI 160 and Kira?) have been taken by mouth once to three times daily with or without light therapy for 4-8 weeks.
For smoking cessation, 300 milligrams St. John's wort (LI-160 extract) has been taken by mouth once or twice daily for up to three months and a week.
For social phobia, 600-1,800 milligrams St. John's wort has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.
For somatoform disorders, 300 milligrams of St. John's wort (LI 160 extract) has been taken by mouth twice daily for six weeks.
For atopic dermatitis, 1.5% hyperforin (verum) cream has been used on the skin twice daily for four weeks.
For psoriasis, St. John's wort ointment has been used two times daily on the skin for four weeks.
For wound healing, 20% St. John's wort in petroleum jelly has been used on the affected skin three times daily for 16 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
St. John's wort may interfere with the way the body processes various drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood (causing increased effects or adverse reactions) or decreased in the blood (which may reduce effects). Examples of medications that may be affected by St. John's wort in this manner include carbamazepine, cyclosporin, irinotecan, midazolam, nifedipine, simvastatin, theophylline, warfarin, or HIV drugs such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) or protease inhibitors (PIs). The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that patients with HIV/AIDS taking PIs or NNRTIs should avoid taking St. John's wort.
St. John's wort may alter the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
St. John's wort may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also alter blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
St. John's wort may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
St. John's wort may also interact with 5HT1 agonists (triptans), agents for the eyes, agents for the skin, agents for the stomach and intestines, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that affect the immune system, agents that damage the liver, anesthetics, alcohol, anti-anxiety agents, antibiotics, antidepressant agents, antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer agents, antipsychotics, antiretroviral agents, antiviral agents, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, carbamazepine, cardiac glycosides, chlorzoxazone, cholesterol-lowering agents, clozapine, contraceptives, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, drugs that may lower seizure threshold, estrogens, fertility agents, fexofenadine, heart rate-regulating agents, hepatotoxins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, hormonal agents, loperamide (Imodium?), methylphenidate, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), mood stabilizers, morphine, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), omeprazole, opiates, pain relievers, PDE5 selective inhibitors, P-glycoprotein-regulated drugs, photosensitizing agents, protease inhibitors, sedatives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), smoking cessation agents, testosterone, theophylline, thyroid hormones, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), Viagra?, weight loss agents, wound healing agents, zolpidem.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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