St. John's Wort
11 benefits mapped to clinical evidence across supplements.
Dose per serving from products
232 products in our catalogue print how much St. John's Wort a serving holds.
Most common: 100 mg to 250 mg, 47% of 232 products.
| Dose per serving | Products |
|---|---|
| 25 mg or less | 10 |
| 25 mg to 50 mg | 24 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 19 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 108 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 38 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 30 |
| over 1 g | 3 |
Dose per serving from research
79 study groups in 59 studies say how much St. John's Wort participants took a day.
These are the doses the studies gave. They are not a recommendation.
Most common: 500 mg to 1 g, 67% of 79 study groups.
| Daily dose | Study groups |
|---|---|
| 50 mg or less | 4 |
| 50 mg to 100 mg | 1 |
| 100 mg to 250 mg | 1 |
| 250 mg to 500 mg | 7 |
| 500 mg to 1 g | 53 |
| 1 g to 2.5 g | 9 |
| over 2.5 g | 4 |
Benefit Evidence
Depression scores −11 to −15
Side effects fewer than drugs
Relapse reduced; response +20%
Depression scores −11 to −15
Side effects fewer than drugs
Relapse reduced; response +20%
Research sources
Mood balance (34)
- Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks
PubMed ID: 10591711
Large multicenter trial: hypericum superior to placebo and similar to imipramine in reducing HAMD (strong evidence).
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Large comparator trial: Ze117 produced substantially higher responder rate vs fluoxetine with meaningful HAM-D improvements → strong evidence for mood elevation in mild–moderate depression.
- Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study
PubMed ID: 10823363
Small pilot found similar reductions in HAM-D versus sertraline, but small sample limits certainty.
- Equivalence of St John's wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression
PubMed ID: 10759336
Trial showed efficacy at least comparable to fluoxetine with fewer adverse events—supports antidepressant effect.
- Comparison of equivalence between the St. John's wort extract LoHyp-57 and fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 10337446
Elderly-patient RCT found similar efficacy to fluoxetine with good tolerability.
- Comparison of St John's wort and imipramine for treating depression: randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10968813
Large trial found hypericum as effective as imipramine with fewer side effects—supports mood elevation.
- A double-blind randomised trial to investigate three different concentrations of a standardised fresh plant extract obtained from the shoot tips of Hypericum perforatum L
PubMed ID: 10439477
Large randomized double-blind study showed consistent ~50% HAMD reductions across extract strengths.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract WS 5572 versus placebo in mildly to moderately depressed patients. A randomized double-blind multicenter clinical trial
PubMed ID: 11434406
Double-blind RCT with significant HAM-D reduction and higher responder rate vs placebo → strong support for antidepressant/mood-elevating effect.
- St John's wort extract (LI 160) in somatoform disorders: results of a placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12424553
Improvements in somatic anxiety and global measures in somatoform disorder reflect better emotional balance.
- [Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study]
PubMed ID: 7498868
Reported reductions in depression/anxiety can reasonably reduce irritability; not a primary endpoint.
- Efficacy of St. John's wort extract WS 5570 in major depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12153829
Large RCT (WS 5570) reduced depressive symptoms and increased remissions versus placebo → strong evidence of mood benefit.
- Hypericum perforatum versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
PubMed ID: 12008860
Hypericum produced depression reductions nearly comparable to fluoxetine over 6 weeks → supports mood elevation.
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Randomized double‑blind trial showed large and statistically significant reductions in depression scores vs placebo — strong evidence for mood elevation.
- Hypericum extract LI 160 and fluoxetine in mild to moderate depression: a randomized, placebo-controlled multi-center study in outpatients
PubMed ID: 15538592
Higher remission rates vs placebo suggest mood improvement despite mixed scale findings.
- A Double-blind, randomized trial of St John's wort, fluoxetine, and placebo in major depressive disorder
PubMed ID: 16160619
12‑week RCT with meaningful HAMD reductions and higher remission than fluoxetine — supports mood elevation.
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Large noninferiority RCT with robust symptom improvement vs paroxetine supports clear mood‑elevating effects.
- St. John's wort in mild to moderate depression: the relevance of hyperforin for the clinical efficacy
PubMed ID: 9684948
Dose-response trial: higher-hyperforin extract worked better for mild–moderate depression (supports antidepressant mechanism).
- Multicenter double-blind study examining the antidepressant effectiveness of the hypericum extract LI 160
PubMed ID: 7857501
Multicenter double-blind trial found significant improvement across multiple depression scales versus placebo.
- Placebo-controlled double-blind study examining the effectiveness of an hypericum preparation in 105 mildly depressed patients
PubMed ID: 7857516
Large randomized placebo-controlled study with robust HAMD reductions and substantially higher responder rate versus placebo.
- Effectiveness and tolerance of the hypericum extract LI 160 in comparison with imipramine: randomized double-blind study with 135 outpatients
PubMed ID: 7857502
Large randomized comparison showing strong HAMD improvement vs imipramine; direct antidepressant evidence.
- Hypericum treatment of mild depressions with somatic symptoms
PubMed ID: 7857500
Placebo-controlled RCT with marked HAMD improvement and 70% symptom-free at 4 weeks—direct mood elevation evidence.
- Effectiveness and tolerance of the hypericum extract LI 160 compared to maprotiline: a multicenter double-blind study
PubMed ID: 7857503
Multicenter randomized double-blind comparison showed ~50% HAMD reduction comparable to maprotiline.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract STW3 in long-term treatment with a once-daily dosage in comparison with sertraline
PubMed ID: 15744631
Multicenter RCT showed comparable reductions in depression scores vs sertraline across 12–24 weeks — strong evidence.
- Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298]
PubMed ID: 16796730
Multicenter RCT with clinically meaningful superiority over placebo across HAMD, responder and remission rates.
- The efficacy of St. John's Wort in patients with minor depressive symptoms or dysthymia--a double-blind placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16423519
Moderate-sized RCT showed modest benefit for mild depressive symptoms, especially non-dysthymic cases.
- Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16555167
Large randomized trial showed noninferiority to citalopram and superiority over placebo for depressive symptoms.
- Comparison of Hypericum extract WS 5570 and paroxetine in ongoing treatment after recovery from an episode of moderate to severe depression: results from a randomized multicenter study
PubMed ID: 17124643
Continuation study found Hypericum comparable to paroxetine in preventing relapse — supports sustained mood elevation.
- The Ham D(6) is more homogenous and as sensitive as the Ham D(17)
PubMed ID: 17344030
Analysis of trial data found a moderate antidepressant effect (effect size ~0.46) on core mood measures.
- Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from an acute episode of moderate depression--a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled long-term trial
PubMed ID: 18694635
Long-term maintenance trial reduced relapse and supported sustained mood benefit.
- St. John's wort extract LI160 for the treatment of depression with atypical features - a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20181361
Well‑conducted RCT in atypical depression showed significant improvements in HAM‑D and related mood/anxiety scales indicating mood elevation.
- Duration of response after treatment of mild to moderate depression with Hypericum extract STW 3-VI, citalopram and placebo: a reanalysis of data from a controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 21514125
Among initial responders, Hypericum was associated with fewer relapses and longer response — supports mood stabilization/elevation in responders (post‑hoc analysis).
- Subchronic treatment with St John's wort produces a positive shift in emotional processing in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 30484733
Demonstrated reduced attention to negative stimuli and increased positive recall—consistent with improved emotional balance.
- The acute effect of Hypericum perforatum on short-term memory in healthy adults
PubMed ID: 30382352
Acute low dose produced a moderate mood improvement in students.
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
RCT showed significant reductions in depression intensity in postmenopausal women—direct clinical evidence of mood elevation.
Wellbeing (26)
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
Large RCT in postmenopausal women showed meaningful reductions in menopausal symptoms and depression—strong evidence for improved well‑being.
- Efficacy of St. John's wort extract WS 5570 in major depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12153829
Large trial (WS 5570) reduced depressive symptoms and increased remissions vs placebo → supports improved overall mental well‑being.
- Hypericum perforatum versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
PubMed ID: 12008860
Hypericum improved depression nearly as much as fluoxetine in a randomized trial → supports improved well‑being.
- Treatment of somatoform disorders with St. John's wort: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 15272100
Somatoform symptom relief translates into better quality of life and well‑being for affected patients.
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Randomized trial showing marked depression score reductions — strong clinical evidence of improved overall well‑being in depressed outpatients.
- A Double-blind, randomized trial of St John's wort, fluoxetine, and placebo in major depressive disorder
PubMed ID: 16160619
12‑week RCT with higher remission rates than fluoxetine and symptom reductions supports improved well‑being.
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Large noninferiority trial vs paroxetine with better tolerability supports clinically meaningful overall benefit.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract STW3 in long-term treatment with a once-daily dosage in comparison with sertraline
PubMed ID: 15744631
Longer multicenter trial showed similar improvements vs sertraline; indicates broad clinical well‑being effects.
- Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298]
PubMed ID: 16796730
Large multicenter RCT with marked reductions in HAMD and higher remission/responder rates vs placebo.
- Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16555167
Substantial clinical trial evidence of symptom reduction and better tolerability supports improved overall wellbeing.
- Comparison of Hypericum extract WS 5570 and paroxetine in ongoing treatment after recovery from an episode of moderate to severe depression: results from a randomized multicenter study
PubMed ID: 17124643
Continuation study found Hypericum similar to paroxetine for relapse prevention, supporting maintained wellbeing.
- The Ham D(6) is more homogenous and as sensitive as the Ham D(17)
PubMed ID: 17344030
Post-hoc pooled analysis found a moderate antidepressant effect (effect size ~0.46), consistent with improved wellbeing.
- Placebo controlled continuation treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from a mild or moderate depressive episode
PubMed ID: 17704988
Continuation trial: Hypericum prevented the modest deterioration seen with placebo over 4 months.
- Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from an acute episode of moderate depression--a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled long-term trial
PubMed ID: 18694635
Long-term maintenance trial showed reduced relapse and sustained benefit, supporting ongoing wellbeing.
- Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) on hot flashes and quality of life in perimenopausal women: a randomized pilot trial
PubMed ID: 19194342
Perimenopausal trial reported improved menopause-specific QoL with SJW.
- St. John's wort extract LI160 for the treatment of depression with atypical features - a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20181361
Large RCT in atypical depression showed overall depression and several symptom-domain improvements, consistent with improved global well‑being.
- Subchronic treatment with St John's wort produces a positive shift in emotional processing in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 30484733
Early positive bias in emotional processing in healthy volunteers can contribute to improved subjective well‑being.
- Comparison of equivalence between the St. John's wort extract LoHyp-57 and fluoxetine
PubMed ID: 10337446
Elderly trial showed efficacy similar to fluoxetine with fewer withdrawals—implies maintained QoL in older adults.
- Hypericum treatment of mild depressions with somatic symptoms
PubMed ID: 7857500
Smaller RCT with marked symptomatic improvement and high symptom-free rate at 4 weeks supports improved well‑being.
- Placebo-controlled double-blind study examining the effectiveness of an hypericum preparation in 105 mildly depressed patients
PubMed ID: 7857516
Large placebo-controlled trial produced substantial HAMD reductions and higher responder rates, supporting improved well‑being.
- [Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study]
PubMed ID: 7498868
Reported large improvements in depression/anxiety and excellent tolerability—supports better overall well‑being.
- Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks
PubMed ID: 10591711
Large RCT measured and found improved SF-36 mental component and clear antidepressant effect—direct evidence of better well-being.
- A double-blind randomised trial to investigate three different concentrations of a standardised fresh plant extract obtained from the shoot tips of Hypericum perforatum L
PubMed ID: 10439477
Large dose-comparison trial showed ~50% HAMD reductions across groups and very few adverse reactions—consistent with improved well‑being.
- Comparison of an extract of hypericum (LI 160) and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study
PubMed ID: 10823363
Small pilot showed comparable efficacy to sertraline for mild–moderate depression, suggesting some benefit for overall well‑being though evidence is limited by size.
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Large RCT: Ze117 produced greater responder rate vs fluoxetine and fewer adverse events → strong evidence of clinically meaningful improvement in overall well-being for mild–moderate depression.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract WS 5572 versus placebo in mildly to moderately depressed patients. A randomized double-blind multicenter clinical trial
PubMed ID: 11434406
Double-blind RCT showed significant HAM-D reduction and higher responder rates vs placebo → supports improved well‑being.
Stress & Anxiety (22)
- Treatment of somatoform disorders with St. John's wort: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 15272100
Somatoform trial showed significant symptom relief including anxiety‑related somatic complaints.
- Hypericum treatment of mild depressions with somatic symptoms
PubMed ID: 7857500
Improvement in depressive and vegetative symptoms including activity/sleep suggests some stress symptom relief.
- Effectiveness and tolerance of the hypericum extract LI 160 compared to maprotiline: a multicenter double-blind study
PubMed ID: 7857503
Maprotiline comparison produced similar depression reductions and fewer sedation-related adverse events with hypericum (anxiolytic implication).
- Placebo-controlled double-blind study examining the effectiveness of an hypericum preparation in 105 mildly depressed patients
PubMed ID: 7857516
Large antidepressant trial whose mood benefits are accompanied by reductions in anxiety-related symptoms.
- Multicenter double-blind study examining the antidepressant effectiveness of the hypericum extract LI 160
PubMed ID: 7857501
Multicenter trial showing significant depression improvements that commonly coincide with reduced anxiety.
- [Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study]
PubMed ID: 7498868
Reported anxiolytic benefits alongside antidepressant effects in a multicenter trial.
- Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks
PubMed ID: 10591711
Large RCT reduced Hamilton anxiety scores as well as depression and improved mental QoL.
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
Decreases in depression and menopausal distress likely include reductions in anxiety symptoms.
- Subchronic treatment with St John's wort produces a positive shift in emotional processing in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 30484733
Reduced attention to fearful faces and other emotional processing changes are consistent with anxiolytic effects in healthy volunteers.
- St. John's wort extract LI160 for the treatment of depression with atypical features - a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20181361
Trial results show significant superiority on anxiety measures (HAM‑A/PHQ‑9/CGI) in atypical depression, supporting anxiolytic effects in that population.
- Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16555167
Large RCT with clinically meaningful antidepressant effects often includes reductions in comorbid anxiety.
- Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298]
PubMed ID: 16796730
Multicenter RCT reduced HAMD and anxiety/somatization items early in treatment.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract STW3 in long-term treatment with a once-daily dosage in comparison with sertraline
PubMed ID: 15744631
Comparable outcomes to sertraline indicate likely anxiolytic benefit alongside antidepressant effects.
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Comparable or superior clinical antidepressant effects vs SSRI suggest reduction in stress‑related symptoms.
- A Double-blind, randomized trial of St John's wort, fluoxetine, and placebo in major depressive disorder
PubMed ID: 16160619
12‑week RCT showing reduced depression scores and higher remission implies stress reduction as part of clinical benefit.
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Large reductions in depression scores generally include reductions in anxiety symptoms for many patients.
- Hypericum perforatum versus fluoxetine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression
PubMed ID: 12008860
Comparable reductions in depressive/anxiety-related measures vs fluoxetine suggest anxiolytic benefits in some patients.
- St John's wort extract (LI 160) in somatoform disorders: results of a placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12424553
Direct, statistically significant reduction in somatic anxiety (HAMA-SOM) and global improvement in somatoform disorder → strong evidence for anxiolytic effect in that population.
- Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract WS 5572 versus placebo in mildly to moderately depressed patients. A randomized double-blind multicenter clinical trial
PubMed ID: 11434406
Overall depressive symptom improvement likely includes reductions in anxiety for many patients.
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Ze117 reduced anxiety symptoms substantially alongside antidepressant effects.
- Equivalence of St John's wort extract (Ze 117) and fluoxetine: a randomized, controlled study in mild-moderate depression
PubMed ID: 10759336
Comparable efficacy to fluoxetine with lower adverse events; anxiety-related endpoints favored hypericum.
- Comparison of St John's wort and imipramine for treating depression: randomised controlled trial
PubMed ID: 10968813
Trial showed improvements on the anxiety-somatization subscale favoring hypericum.
Stress resilience (16)
- Subchronic treatment with St John's wort produces a positive shift in emotional processing in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 30484733
Positive shift in emotional processing could underpin greater resilience to negative stimuli.
- Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from an acute episode of moderate depression--a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled long-term trial
PubMed ID: 18694635
Long-term trial showed reduced relapse rates and delayed recurrence, consistent with stronger resilience to recurrence.
- Placebo controlled continuation treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from a mild or moderate depressive episode
PubMed ID: 17704988
Continuation data indicate Hypericum prevented worsening seen with placebo, supporting resilience.
- Comparison of Hypericum extract WS 5570 and paroxetine in ongoing treatment after recovery from an episode of moderate to severe depression: results from a randomized multicenter study
PubMed ID: 17124643
Continuation study showed high remission and relapse-prevention comparable to paroxetine.
- Predicting stable treatment response in patients with major depression treated with hypericum extract WS 5570/5572
PubMed ID: 16189745
Pooled analysis shows early response predicts sustained benefit on Hypericum — supports durability/resilience concepts (indirect).
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Robust RCT evidence comparable to paroxetine indicates enhanced ability to maintain mood stability under stress.
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Strong antidepressant response supports improved resilience to emotional stressors in treated patients.
- Treatment of somatoform disorders with St. John's wort: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 15272100
Reduction in somatoform symptoms and higher responder rates imply improved coping with somatic/stress‑related complaints.
- St John's wort extract (LI 160) in somatoform disorders: results of a placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12424553
Improvements in somatic anxiety and global measures imply better stress symptom handling in somatoform disorder patients.
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Robust antidepressant and anxiolytic outcomes (Ze117) imply improved ability to withstand emotional stressors in mild–moderate depression.
- A double-blind randomised trial to investigate three different concentrations of a standardised fresh plant extract obtained from the shoot tips of Hypericum perforatum L
PubMed ID: 10439477
Consistent antidepressant benefits across doses imply enhanced emotional stability/resilience.
- Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks
PubMed ID: 10591711
Large trial improving mood/anxiety and QoL suggests improved resilience to emotional stressors.
- [Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study]
PubMed ID: 7498868
Anxiolytic and antidepressant findings suggest improved coping capacity with stressful situations.
- Placebo-controlled double-blind study examining the effectiveness of an hypericum preparation in 105 mildly depressed patients
PubMed ID: 7857516
Robust antidepressant response and higher responder rates imply greater ability to withstand emotional challenges.
- Effectiveness and tolerance of the hypericum extract LI 160 in comparison with imipramine: randomized double-blind study with 135 outpatients
PubMed ID: 7857502
Strong multicenter evidence of mood improvement supports improved emotional resilience.
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
Improved depressive symptoms and reduced menopausal distress plausibly increase emotional resilience in treated women.
Nerve health (14)
- Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298]
PubMed ID: 16796730
Demonstrated depression symptom reduction in multicenter RCT; anxiety/somatization items improved early.
- Hypericum and neem oil for dehisced post-surgical wounds: a randomised, controlled, single-blinded phase III study
PubMed ID: 35678785
Hypericum+neem dressing produced a large, significant reduction in wound pain compared with silver dressing—strong topical analgesic signal.
- Placebo-controlled double-blind study examining the effectiveness of an hypericum preparation in 105 mildly depressed patients
PubMed ID: 7857516
Large RCT with marked antidepressant effect; mood improvement commonly yields calmer nerves.
- [Treatment of depressive symptoms with a high concentration hypericum preparation. A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind study]
PubMed ID: 7498868
Multicenter double-blind trial reported both antidepressant and anxiolytic benefits and excellent tolerability.
- Hypericum extract versus imipramine or placebo in patients with moderate depression: randomised multicentre study of treatment for eight weeks
PubMed ID: 10591711
Large trial reduced anxiety scores and improved mental QoL, consistent with calmer subjective state.
- St. John's wort has no effect on pain in polyneuropathy
PubMed ID: 11275394
In painful polyneuropathy, St John's wort produced a small and marginally significant reduction in total pain (trend-level) → modest evidence for mild nerve‑pain relief.
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Anxiety symptoms decreased substantially in the Ze117 vs fluoxetine trial, consistent with calmer subjective state.
- St John's wort extract (LI 160) in somatoform disorders: results of a placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 12424553
Clear reduction in somatic anxiety (HAMA-SOM) and global improvement in somatoform disorder → strong support for 'calmer nerves'.
- Treatment of somatoform disorders with St. John's wort: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 15272100
Improvement in somatoform symptoms includes reduced somatic/anxiety‑like complaints, supporting calmer states.
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Substantial reduction in depressive symptom severity is consistent with decreased nervousness/anxiety in clinical populations.
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Comparable benefit to paroxetine for depression implies anxiolytic/calmness effects in mood disorder patients.
- Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16555167
Large RCT showing efficacy vs placebo and noninferiority to SSRI implies anxiolytic/nerve-calming benefits as part of antidepressant effect.
- Subchronic treatment with St John's wort produces a positive shift in emotional processing in healthy volunteers
PubMed ID: 30484733
Decreased attention to fearful faces and reduced recognition of disgust suggests anxiolytic‑like processing changes.
- The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study
PubMed ID: 38242739
Randomized trial of topical SJW oil in knee OA showed significant pain and function improvements—supports mild analgesic benefit for peripheral pain.
Motivation & confidence (5)
- Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
PubMed ID: 15605620
Major antidepressant effect likely includes increased drive and goal‑directed behavior for many patients (inferred).
- A Randomized Split-Face Study of Photodynamic Therapy With St. John's Wort and Indole-3-Acetic Acid for the Treatment of Acne
PubMed ID: 36946749
Large acne lesion reduction and improved skin appearance can plausibly increase social confidence.
- Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 16555167
Substantial antidepressant effect likely includes improvements in drive/motivation for many patients.
- Acute treatment of moderate to severe depression with hypericum extract WS 5570 (St John's wort): randomised controlled double blind non-inferiority trial versus paroxetine
PubMed ID: 15708844
Similar clinical antidepressant efficacy to SSRIs suggests likely improvement in motivational symptoms.
- Differential therapy of mild to moderate depressive episodes (ICD-10 F 32.0; F 32.1) with St. John's wort
PubMed ID: 11518073
Higher responder rates and decreased depressive/anxiety symptoms can be associated with improved motivation, though motivation was not directly measured.
Hormone balance (3)
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
Two‑month randomized trial showed large, statistically significant reductions in hot flashes, Kupperman scores, and depression—strong direct evidence.
- Black cohosh and St. John's wort for climacteric complaints: a randomized trial
PubMed ID: 16449108
Large RCT of a fixed combination (SJW + black cohosh) reduced climacteric and depression scores; effect cannot be solely ascribed to SJW but suggests contribution.
- Effect of St John's wort on severity, frequency, and duration of hot flashes in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
PubMed ID: 20216274
8‑week randomized trial reported statistically significant reductions in hot flash frequency, duration (by week 8) and severity compared with placebo — direct evidence for menopausal vasomotor symptom benefit.
Sleep quality (3)
- Hypericum treatment of mild depressions with somatic symptoms
PubMed ID: 7857500
Depression trial reported marked improvement in sleep/vegetative symptoms vs placebo.
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial
PubMed ID: 31331546
Two-month RCT reduced hot flashes and menopausal symptom scores—likely to improve sleep disrupted by vasomotor symptoms.
- Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) on hot flashes and quality of life in perimenopausal women: a randomized pilot trial
PubMed ID: 19194342
Perimenopausal pilot RCT reported significant sleep improvement with St. John's wort.
Focus & concentration (1)
- The acute effect of Hypericum perforatum on short-term memory in healthy adults
PubMed ID: 30382352
Randomized acute trial showed improved short-term verbal memory and a small digit-span benefit at 250 mg—direct cognitive/focus evidence.
Energy & Fatigue (1)
- Hypericum treatment of mild depressions with somatic symptoms
PubMed ID: 7857500
Depression trial reported marked improvement in activity and fatigue (vegetative symptoms improved).
Menstrual comfort (1)
- The efficacy of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
PubMed ID: 20155996
Crossover RCT with St. John's wort alone reduced common physical and behavioural PMS symptoms versus placebo — direct evidence for PMS symptom relief (small sample).
Similar by evidence
Supplements the same benefits carry qualifying findings for — a fact about the evidence graph, not a recommendation to swap.
Products with St. John's Wort
Search all737 products whose verified label declares St. John's Wort — not every bottle that mentions it in a title.