Effective treatment of st. john's wort and depression: A Synthesis of Findings from 16 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

St. John's wort (SJW) has gained attention in many studies as a potentially effective herb for treating depression. Several studies suggest that SJW is more effective than a placebo and has comparable effects to conventional antidepressants. 15 . SJW may be particularly effective in treating mild to moderate depression. 14 . Hyperforin, a key active ingredient in SJW, is believed to contribute to depression improvement. 11 . SJW is thought to have an impact on regulating the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. 4 . However, research findings indicate that SJW might also affect autonomic nervous system activity. 13 .

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

SJW has the potential to be beneficial for treating mild to moderate depression. 14 . SJW is considered to have fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants. 16 . SJW is believed to regulate the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. 4 .

Risk Summary

SJW has the potential to interact with other medications. 12 . SJW can cause photosensitivity. 2 . SJW should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 1 .

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities in Studies

Many studies demonstrate that SJW is more effective than placebo. 15 14 . SJW is suggested to have fewer side effects compared to conventional antidepressants. 16 .

Differences in Studies

The effectiveness of SJW might vary depending on the severity of depression. While SJW is effective for mild to moderate depression, it may not be effective for severe depression. 14 . The effectiveness of SJW may be influenced by the hyperforin content in the SJW product. 11 . SJW has the potential to interact with other medications, and the impact varies depending on the specific medications. 12 .

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

The effectiveness of SJW against depression has been confirmed by numerous studies. However, the efficacy of SJW may differ depending on the severity of depression and the SJW product used. Research findings regarding the side effects of SJW are inconsistent. SJW is generally considered safe, but side effects such as photosensitivity have been reported. 2 .

Important Considerations for Real-Life Applications

Consultation with a physician is crucial before using SJW to treat depression. SJW can interact with other medications, and it is essential to use it as directed by your doctor. When using SJW, be cautious of photosensitivity. SJW should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 1 .

Limitations of Current Research

There is still a lack of sufficient research on the effectiveness of SJW against depression. Large-scale clinical trials are needed to further investigate the effects of SJW. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action of hyperforin, an active ingredient in SJW. 2 .

Future Directions for Research

Large-scale clinical trials are needed to further investigate the effectiveness of SJW against depression. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action of hyperforin, an active ingredient in SJW. 2 . Additional research is required to explore interactions between SJW and other medications. 12 . Studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of SJW.

Conclusion

SJW has the potential to be beneficial for treating mild to moderate depression. 14 . SJW is suggested to have fewer side effects compared to conventional antidepressants. 16 . However, SJW can interact with other medications and cause side effects such as photosensitivity. 12 2 . Consultation with a physician is essential before using SJW to treat depression. Consult your doctor before using SJW if you have any concerns or are taking other medications.

Literature analysis of 16 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
2
3
3
9
16
1.

Effect of St. John's Wort (<i>Hypericum perforatum</i> L.) on Male Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Narrative Review.

Author: AlzahraniMeshari A, OfisanSalman Bin, AlshumaymiriNasser I, AlghuwainemMuath, AltamimiMuath, AlaliAli Y, RabieMuhammad, AboSkenaAhmed K, AlmaymuniKhalid, AlmannieRaed, BinsalehSaleh

ADHD treatment
Depression treatment
Menopausal symptom relief
Muscle pain relief
OCD treatment
Somatic symptom disorder treatment
Wound healing

St. John's wort (SJW) is a widely used herbal medicine for mild to moderate depression, but its effectiveness for male sexual and reproductive health is not well known.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

2.

Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety.

Author: PengZhaolei, LuJing, LiuKai, XieLong, WangYulin, CaiChunyan, YangDejun, XiJingjing, YanChunmei, LiXiaofang, ShiMingyi

Anticancer
Antimicrobial
Neuroprotection
Photosensitization

This article reviews the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, a natural photosensitizer derived from St. John's wort. Hypericin exhibits anticancer, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects, particularly when activated by light. The article discusses the mechanisms of its therapeutic effects, its pharmacokinetic properties, and its reported safety profile.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Effect of Plant Extracts Combinations on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 Levels in Serum of Rats Exposed to Acute and Chronic Stress.

Author: KandilarovIlin, GardjevaPetya, Georgieva-KotetarovaMaria, ZlatanovaHristina, VilmoshNatalia, KostadinovaIvanka, KatsarovaMariana, AtlievKiril, DimitrovaStela

Cytokine regulation
Stress reduction

This study investigates the effects of two combined plant extracts, rich in flavonoids, on cytokine levels in rats subjected to acute cold stress and chronic unpredictable stress models. The study found that the combined extracts had a more pronounced effect in reducing cytokine levels compared to individual plant extracts.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

4.

From Plants to Psycho-Neurology: Unravelling the Therapeutic Benefits of Bioactive Compounds in Brain Disorders.

Author: GrossoClara, SantosMarlene, BarrosoM Fátima

Neurological improvement
Oxidative stress reduction

This review highlights the potential of bioactive chemicals from plants in treating neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative illnesses due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity.

Author: SánchezIsabel A, CuchimbaJaime A, PinedaMaría C, ArgüelloYenny P, KočíJana, KreiderRichard B, PetroJorge L, BonillaDiego A

Adaptogen use
Depression treatment

This systematic review examined the effects of adaptogens on depression in adults, finding that St. John's Wort and saffron are the most studied and supported adaptogens. The review also discussed the potential benefits of combining adaptogens with physical exercise for depression treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Impact of St. John's wort extract Ze 117 on stress induced changes in the lipidome of PBMC.

Author: BussmannHendrik, BremerSwen, HäberleinHanns, BoonenGeorg, DreweJürgen, ButterweckVeronika, FrankenSebastian

This article discusses the role of membrane lipids in brain function, emphasizing their importance in providing a physical barrier and participating in cell signaling. It explains how lipid composition influences membrane fluidity, affecting the activity of membrane-bound receptors.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Depression and Its Phytopharmacotherapy-A Narrative Review.

Author: DobrekLukasz, GłowackaKrystyna

Depression treatment
Adverse drug effects

This review discusses the role of phytopharmacology in managing depression, a complex mental health disorder characterized by mood disturbances, sadness, and cognitive impairment. The review highlights the antidepressant properties of various plant compounds, including their mechanisms of action and clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating mild to moderate depression.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Author: KorczakMaciej, PileckiMaciej, GranicaSebastian, GorczynskaAleksandra, PawłowskaKarolina A, PiwowarskiJakub P

Mood disorder treatment

This review explores the potential of natural product-based psychopharmacology for treating mild mood disorders. While herbal medicines have shown promise, identifying pharmacologically active constituents remains a challenge. This review highlights the emerging role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a potential avenue for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies for mood disorders.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using St. John's Wort as a Treatment for Depression.

Author: Canenguez BenitezJohanna S, HernandezTabata E, SundararajanRamaswamy, SarwarSarosh, ArriagaAngel J, KhanAsma T, MatayoshiAndrea, QuintanillaHerbert A, KochharHansini, AlamMehwish, MagoArpit, HansAakash, BenitezGuadalupe A

Depression treatment

This abstract explores the advantages and disadvantages of using St. John's wort (SJW) extracts for the treatment of depression. While many studies have demonstrated its effectiveness over placebo, conclusive data on its efficacy compared to standard antidepressants is lacking. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of SJW as a treatment modality for depression.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

11.

St. John's wort in mild to moderate depression: the relevance of hyperforin for the clinical efficacy.

Author: LaakmannG, SchüleC, BaghaiT, KieserM

Effective treatment

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study involving 147 patients with mild to moderate depression found that St. John's Wort extracts with higher hyperforin content (5% hyperforin) were significantly more effective in alleviating depressive symptoms than placebo or extracts with lower hyperforin content (0.5% hyperforin).

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

12.

St John's wort: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions for the consultation psychiatrist.

Author: HammernessPaul, BaschEthan, UlbrichtCatherine, BarretteE-P, FoppaIvo, BaschSamuel, BentSteve, BoonHeather, ErnstEdzard,

Effective for depression
Effective treatment of mild-to-moderate depression
Generally well-tolerated
Drug interactions
Limited data on SSRIs

St. John's wort, a herb used for depression, has shown to be more effective than placebo and as effective as tricyclic antidepressants for short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression. While it is generally well-tolerated, it has significant interactions with other medications. This review summarizes the information on its mechanisms, clinical uses, and potential side effects, toxicity, and drug interactions.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

13.

The effects of St. John's wort extract and amitriptyline on autonomic responses of blood vessels and sweat glands in healthy volunteers.

Author: SiepmannMartin, KirchWilhelm, KrauseStephanie, JoraschkyPeter, Mueck-WeymannMichael

Depression treatment

This study compared the effects of St. John's wort extract, amitriptyline, and placebo on the autonomic nervous system, specifically on blood vessel and sweat gland responses. St. John's wort had no effect on these responses, while amitriptyline significantly reduced sweating and prolonged blood vessel dilation. These findings suggest that St. John's wort does not have the same autonomic effects as amitriptyline, an antidepressant known to affect the nervous system.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

15.

A systematic review of St. John's wort for major depressive disorder.

Author: ApaydinEric A, MaherAlicia R, ShanmanRoberta, BoothMarika S, MilesJeremy N V, SorberoMelony E, HempelSusanne

This review examined the effectiveness and safety of St. John's wort (SJW) for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, comparing it to a placebo and other medications. The review also looked at whether the effectiveness of SJW varied based on the severity of depression.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

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