Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
Depression is a common condition in the community with a significant impact on affected individuals, their relatives and society. Many patients with depression do not seek treatment and are often concerned about the possible adverse effects of antidepressant drugs. Extract of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) has long been recognized as a treatment for depression. Several published trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract for mild to moderate depression. Recent comparative trials of Hypericum extract and other antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), provide support for Hypericum extract efficacy. However, since the constituents of Hypericum extract differ between the individual manufacturers, the efficacy cannot be extrapolated from one extract to another. In this review, WS 5572, LI 160, WS 5570 and ZE 117 Hypericum extracts have been shown to be significantly more effective than placebo with at least similar efficacy and better tolerability compared to standard antidepressant drugs.
Kasper
Siegfried
S
Department of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Wien, MUV, Austria.
Caraci
Filippo
F
Forti
Bruno
B
Drago
Filippo
F
Aguglia
Eugenio
E
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts