St John’s Wort Effective in Treating Depression

February 23, 2010 | In Health

The plant hypericum perforatum, popularly known as St. John’s Wort, has long been considered a natural alternative to Prozac, but now new research from St. James’ University Hospital in Leeds, has confirmed its mood-boosting properties. Scientists have found that it is just as effective at treating depression as Prozac. It also has fewer side effects than standard drugs given to those battling depression.

The study compared the effects of St. John’s Wort with placebos and a range of old and new antidepressants, including Prozac and Seroxat and a new generation of SSRI drugs on over 5000 patients with mild to severe depression. Overall, St. John’s Wort was superior to placebo and similarly effective as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects. St. John’s Wort is contraindicated with a number of medications, so do check before taking it.

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