scholarly journals Review: St John's wort superior to placebo and similar to antidepressants for major depression but with fewer side effects

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Ernst
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) as a Treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Case Report

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai-Lin Huang ◽  
Shih-Jen Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ◽  
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Selective Serotonin ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort ◽  
Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a menstruous dysfunction, is characterized by profoundly depressed mood, and studies have shown that antidepressants are effective for PMDD. The authors describe a case of PMDD who was initially treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Due to intolerable gastrointestinal side effects with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, St. John's wort (900 mg/day) was substituted and much improvement in PMDD symptoms was noted for at least five-month follow-up. The authors propose that St. John's wort could be an alternative medication for PMDD, especially for patients experiencing intolerable side effects with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

scholarly journals St John's wort for depression

2005 ◽  
Vol 186 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Linde ◽  
Michael Berner ◽  
Matthias Egger ◽  
Cynthia Mulrow
Keyword(s):  
Major Depression ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort

BackgroundExtracts of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) are widely used to treat depression. Evidence for its efficacy has been criticised on methodological grounds.AimsTo update evidence from randomised trials regarding the effectiveness of Hypericum extracts.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 double-blind randomised controlled trials that compared clinical effects of Hypericum monopreparation with either placebo or a standard antidepressant in adults with depressive disorders.ResultsLarger placebo-controlled trials restricted to patients with major depression showed only minor effects over placebo, while older and smaller trials not restricted to patients with major depression showed marked effects. Compared with standard antidepressants Hypericum extracts had similar effects.ConclusionsCurrent evidence regarding Hypericum extracts is inconsistent and confusing. In patients who meet criteria for major depression, several recent placebo-controlled trials suggest that Hypericum has minimal beneficial effects while other trials suggest that Hypericum and standard antidepressants have similar beneficial effects.

Psychiatric Side Effects of Herbal Medicinals

1999 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Spollen Iii ◽  
Shelly M. Spollen ◽  
John S. Markowitz
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Panic Attacks ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manic Symptoms ◽  
St John’S Wort ◽  
St John's Wort ◽  
Ma Huang ◽  
Psychiatric Side Effects

The use of herbal medicinals has grown tremendously in the last several years. Unfortunately, there is little knowledge about the safety of these products. There have been several reports of psychiatric side effects associated with the use of herbal medicinals. Manic symptoms have been reported with the use of St. John's wort, yohimbe, ginseng, and ma huang or its synthetically produced alkaloids. Ma huang or its alkaloids have also been associated with psychotic symptoms. Worsening anxiety and panic attacks have been reported with yohimbe. Recommendations for the use of these phytomedicinals and for future research are included.

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