The research
St John’s Wort has been used traditionally for many years as a mood enhancer. Various studies have been conducted regarding its efficacy in enhancing a variety of mood states. A sample of these studies have concluded:
- 1 ‘St John’s Wort monotherapy for mild and moderate depression is superior to placebo in improving depression symptoms and not significantly different from antidepressant medication.’
- 2. ‘The available evidence suggests that the hypericum (St John’s Wort) extracts tested in the included trials a) are superior to placebo in patients with major depression; b) are similarly effective as standard antidepressants; c) and have fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.’
- 3. ‘Hypericum (St John’s Wort) has been favourably compared to numerous antidepressant drugs, the studies having revealed equivalent results and a much more favourable incidence of side effects. Studies have also demonstrated its efficacy in treating seasonal affective disorder.’