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Efficacy of St. John's Wort for Treating Mild to Moderate Depression

Inpatient Psychiatry, 4th floor, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, tgahlsdorf@ hotmail.com

Robert Krause, MSN, APRN, BC

Quinnipiac University

Margaret W. Beal, PhD, CNM

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

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Complementary Health Practice Review, Vol. 12, No. 3, 184-195 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1533210107306294


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Gahlsdorf, T. Articles by Beal, M. W. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?