Hypericum and nurses: a comprehensive literature review on the efficacy of St. John's Wort in the treatment of depression.
OBJECTIVE
Many patients look to complementary and alternative medicine for a herbal solution to depression. This literature review summarizes recently published research on the treatment of depression using St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).


CONCLUSIONS
The compounds in St. John's wort herbal preparations are more effective than placebo and, in several studies, more effective than common antidepressant medications in treating minor depression. However, the efficacy of St. John's wort for treating major depression, cyclothymia, or bipolar disorder is less evident. Although some studies are promising in the treatment of these major disorders, research support is lacking, and it is a controversial aspect of Hypericum therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
As with any herbal treatment, risks from adverse reactions and drug interactions exist. Providers have an ethical and legal obligation to stay current in knowledge and to provide useful, accurate information to patients.
Carpenter
Christopher
C
William Jewell College of Nursing.
Crigger
Nancy
N
Kugler
Regan
R
Loya
Alexis
A
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D003527:Cyclothymic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents