Peer Reviewed
Complementary medicine update
St John’s wort for depression
Recent articles on:
Depression
Depression
Recent articles on:
Complementary and alternative medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine
Abstract
There is growing, albeit not yet conclusive, evidence that St John’s wort is effective for treating mild depression. Doctors should be aware of the clinically significant interactions that may occur.
Key Points
What is St John’s wort?
St John’s wort is the name given to a medicinal extract of St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), a herb that flowers around the time of St John’s Day (24 June) in the northern hemisphere. The plant was introduced into Australia in the late nineteenth century; its rapid and widespread growth in rural areas has led to it being formally declared a noxious weed in many parts of this country.
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