Moderate evidenceeffect size d = 0.50
Mild reduction in anxiety with depression
Sources
- St John's wort for major depression — Cochrane review (2008)
St John's wort for Stress & anxiety
Hypericum perforatum · Hypericaceae
Mild reduction in anxiety with depression Evidence rated moderate (d = 0.50).
Want the full plant profile? See St John's wort botanical profile →
I
How it works mechanism
Indirect effect via mood improvement.
II
Evidence cited sources
1 sourceIII
Dosage & preparation
IV
Safety & cautions
contraindication · warfarin / digoxin / immunosuppressants / antiretrovirals
Reduces plasma levels via CYP3A4 / P-gp induction. Avoid.
contraindication · oral contraceptives
Induces CYP3A4 → reduced contraceptive efficacy. Backup non-hormonal method required.
contraindication · SSRIs / MAOIs
Risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not combine.
warning · photosensitivity
May cause photosensitivity at high doses.
warning · pregnancy
Pregnancy / lactation: insufficient data, avoid.
V
Other plants for Stress & anxiety
8 alternatives
VI
Frequently asked
Is St John's wort effective for Stress & anxiety?
Mild reduction in anxiety with depression Evidence is rated moderate with an effect size of d=0.50. See the Evidence section above for cited sources.
What is the recommended dose of St John's wort for Stress & anxiety?
Typical adult dose: 2.000–4.000 ml as Tincture (1:5, 45%), 3 times daily. See the Dosage table for all forms. Always start at the lower end.
What are the safety risks of St John's wort for Stress & anxiety?
Reduces plasma levels via CYP3A4 / P-gp induction. Avoid. See the Safety section for the full list of contraindications and drug interactions.
How does St John's wort compare to other plants for Stress & anxiety?
See the alternatives section above — we list other species with documented effects on Stress & anxiety, ranked by evidence quality.
Is this medical advice?
No. This is educational reference. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation, especially alongside prescription medication.
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