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Efficacy of St. John's Wort for Treating Mild to Moderate DepressionInpatient Psychiatry, 4th floor, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, tgahlsdorf@ hotmail.com
Quinnipiac University
Graduate Entry Pre-specialty in Nursing at the Yale University School of Nursing Current studies regarding the efficacy of the herb St. John's wort (SJW) in treating mild to moderate cases of depression show conflicting evidence. In this article, we review the literature and consider similarities and differences between studies showing some efficacy and those showing none. Twelve published reports were reviewed. The majority of studies indicated the efficacy of SJW in the treatment of mild to moderate cases of depression. Most trials have had small sample sizes and either a placebo group or a standard pharmaceutical group. Two studies (both pediatric) were uncontrolled. Studies generally reported outcomes that had positive implications for their financial supporters and/or those with whom the primary investigators had acknowledged financial affiliations. More studies that have larger sample sizes and include placebo and pharmaceutical control groups are needed.
Key Words: St. John's Wort • hypericum • major depressive disorder • mild-moderate depression • complementary and alternative medicine
Complementary Health Practice Review, Vol. 12, No. 3,
184-195 (2007) |
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