High evidenceeffect size d = 0.80
Effective for mild-to-moderate depression
Sources
- St John's wort for major depression — Cochrane review (2008)
St John's wort for Mood support
Hypericum perforatum · Hypericaceae
Effective for mild-to-moderate depression Evidence rated high (d = 0.80).
Want the full plant profile? See St John's wort botanical profile →
I
How it works mechanism
Hyperforin inhibits reuptake of 5-HT, NE, DA. Comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate MDD per Cochrane.
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 Mood support
8 alternatives
VI
Frequently asked
Is St John's wort effective for Mood support?
Effective for mild-to-moderate depression Evidence is rated high with an effect size of d=0.80. See the Evidence section above for cited sources.
What is the recommended dose of St John's wort for Mood support?
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 Mood support?
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 Mood support?
See the alternatives section above — we list other species with documented effects on Mood support, 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.
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.
Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.