Herbal Hope for Those Suffering with Depression
Lee Swanson Research Update
There's good news for those seeking to ease depression naturally. A report from The Cochrane Collaboration suggests that St. John's wort may be as effective as antidepressants in treating major depression.
Researchers reviewed 29 studies involving 5,489 patients with depression. The studies compared treatment with extracts of St. John's wort for 4 to 12 weeks with placebo treatment or standard antidepressants. The studies were conducted in a variety of countries, tested several different St. John's wort extracts and mostly included patients suffering from mild to moderately severe symptoms.
Overall, the St. John's wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to placebo, similarly effective as standard antidepressants, and had fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. However, findings were more favorable to St. John's wort extracts in studies from German-speaking countries where these products have a long tradition and are often prescribed by physicians.
Researchers reviewing the studies stated: "Patients suffering from depressive symptoms who wish to use a St. John's wort product should consult a health professional."
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 4, 2008; Art. No.: CD000448
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