Big effect

A 14-trial meta-analysis found St. John's Wort had a 2.44 odds ratio for depression relief and fewer side effects than SSRIs

This large meta-analysis strengthens the case that St. John's Wort is a credible option for depression, though it’s one of the first indexed studies on this specific comparison, so the evidence is still building.

In a meta-analysis of 14 randomized trials with 2,270 patients, those taking St. John's Wort were about 2.44 times more likely to experience reduced depression symptoms than those on placebo, based on the reported odds ratio. The herb also caused fewer side effects than standard SSRI antidepressants. This suggests St. John's Wort could be a well-tolerated alternative, but the exact comparator for the odds ratio isn't fully clear from the available data.

Where this fits in the evidence

This is among the first studies we've indexed on St. John's Wort for Reduced Depressive Symptom — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.

The study

The efficacy and safety of St. John's wort extract in depression therapy compared to SSRIs in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Meta-Analysis
n = 2,270
2022-10-11
Advances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University

More on St. John's Wort More on Reduced Depressive Symptom

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