The British Medical Journal published a study that compared head- to-head a standardized extract of St. John’s Wort with a prescription antidepressant drug. The randomized, double-blind reference-controlled trial showed that patients using the herb experienced significantly better improvement in their depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Researchers also noted that St. John’s Wort users experienced significantly fewer adverse side effects than the drug. All of the patients, aged 18 to 70, had been diagnosed with moderate to severe levels of depression.

 The world has come to know this yellow-flowered herb for its wonderful benefits to the nervous system, specifically for help with mild to moderate depression.  Millions in Europe have felt its helpful effects. But millions of Americans—an estimated 15 million—who have symptoms of being “down in the dumps” at any given time, may realize the potential of this natural supplement.

BENEFITS                                                  

• Supports mood improvement.                                   
• Balances the emotions.                                  
• Improves feeling of self-worth and self-control.        

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT   

St. John’s Wort contains at least 10 pharmacologically active constituents. Numerous studies show that one of these, hypericin, appears to act similar to MAO inhibitors and serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, elevating mood and acting as a mild sedative.  Recent scientific studies have shown that another constituent, hyperforin, may have more powerful mood- enhancing, spirit-lifting properties. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 1998 showed that patients who received the highest amounts of hyperforin-containing St. John’s Wort scored highest on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. (A high score on the rating scale indicates lower levels of depression.)

USER CARE