Positive Health Online

Abstract

LINDE and KNUPPEL, Department of Internal Medicine II, Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Technische Universitat Munchen, Kaiserstr. 9, Munich 80801, Germany, klaus.linde@lrz.tu-muenchen.de, have reviewed (34 references) studies of St John's wort (hypericum) and depressive illness.

Background

The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review of large-scale observational studies on the use of hypericum extracts in depressive illness.

Methodology

Relevant databases were searched for studies with at least 100 patients treated with hypericum extracts for depressive illness for at least 4 weeks.

Results

16 studies comprising a total of 34,804 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most studies investigated short-term effects (4-6 weeks) in patients with mild to moderate depression. Response rates (according to physician assessment) varied between 65% and 100%. Two studies investigated long-term effects (52 weeks). Response rates were 60% and 69%, respectively. Serious side effects or interactions were not reported in any study. The quality of reporting was insufficient in the majority of publications.

Conclusion

The available studies show that St John's wort extracts are well tolerated and seem to be effective in routine treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorders.

References

Linde K, Knuppel L. Large-scale observational studies of hypericum extracts in patients with depressive disorders—a systematic revieww. Phytomedicine 12 (1-2): 148-157, Jan 2005.

Comment

The above large-scale systematic review of the literature regarding Hypericum for depression concludes that St John's wort is well tolerated and effective for mild to moderate depression.