St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Yellow-flowered European herb with meta-analytic support for treating mild depression but notorious for dangerous drug interactions via liver enzyme induction.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Cochrane meta-analyses found extracts comparable to standard antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression.
• Hyperforin induces cytochrome P450 3A4, weakening oral contraceptives, anticoagulants, and antiretrovirals.
• Named for its traditional flowering and harvest around St John's Day in late June.

Specifications & Metrics

• ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Hyperforin, hypericin