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Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: pest or blessing?
1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney. jrey@mail.usyd.edu.au
The Medical Journal of Australia
|January 15, 1999
Summary
St John's wort, a medicinal herb, is gaining popularity as an antidepressant. However, current research has limitations, raising questions about its use and regulation.
Area of Science:
- Herbal Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- St John's wort (SJW) has a history in Australia, initially for medicinal use, later classified as a noxious weed.
- There is a renewed interest in SJW's therapeutic potential, particularly its use as an antidepressant.
- Recent reports on SJW's effectiveness and safety have driven increased community use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the implications of increasing St John's wort use in the community.
- To explore the need for medical practitioner education on alternative remedies.
- To examine ethical and medical considerations of non-medical "antidepressant" prescribing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing controlled trials on St John's wort efficacy and safety.
- Analysis of community trends and reported effects of SJW use.
- Identification of key questions regarding regulation, research funding, and quality control.
Main Results:
- Controlled trials investigating St John's wort have limitations.
- The increasing use of SJW presents several unresolved issues.
- Questions arise regarding practitioner knowledge, prescribing ethics, research funding, and product quality.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to address the limitations of current studies on St John's wort.
- Ensuring the quality of SJW preparations is a significant concern.
- The rise in SJW use necessitates a discussion on medical education, ethical prescribing, and research investment.