CRN FACT SHEET:
St. John's Wort and Depression

• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders as well as nerve pain. Ancient herbalists also wrote about its use as a sedative, antimalarial agent, and a balm for wounds, burns and insect bites.

• More than 30 clinical studies support the effectiveness of St. John’s wort in managing the symptoms of mild to moderate depression.

• In Germany, doctors recommend St. John’s wort about 20 times more often than Prozac, one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States.

• The 1999 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (www.ahrq.gov) report on depression concluded, "Hypericum (St. John’s wort) appears to be more effective than placebo for short-term treatment of mild to moderately severe depressive disorders."

• The active ingredient(s) of St. John’s wort remains unidentified. Recent research suggests that the substance hyperforin may play a significant role in the herb’s antidepressant effect.

• Reported side effects of St. John’s wort include only mild problems such as dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

• St. John’s wort can interact with prescription drugs; two documented interactions are with indinavir (for HIV patients) and cyclosporin (for transplant patients). Individuals taking prescription medications should consult with their healthcare professional before using St. John’s wort.

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given one-year period, about 18.8 million American adults suffer from depression.

• An International Labor Organization report from 2000 states that each year the treatment of depression in the United States costs $30-44 billion and results in the loss of approximately 200 million working days.

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded a $4.3 million study, which involved 338 patients, to examine the safety and effectiveness of St. John’s wort for treating major depression. The trial is completed, and announcement of the results is expected this summer or fall.