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Depression Research
St. John's
Wort
St. Johns wort - as
effective as drugs for depression
St. John’s wort (Hypericum) has become well-known for its mood lifting
properties, however, a new German study, has found it to be as effective
as the popular tricyclic drug imipramine for treating mild to moderate
depression.
In a randomised trial, 263 patients
were split into three groups; the first group were given 350mg of
hypericum three times daily, the second group were given 100mg imipramine
daily and the third group were given a placebo tablet. The results showed
that the hypericum was more effective than the placebo and just as
effective as the imipramine and with less side effects. Though the dose of
hypericum used in this trial was higher than most trials, it proved
consistently effective over the eight-week study period and the patients
taking the St John's wort experienced fewer side effects than those given
the conventional drug.
In spite of the benefits of St John's wort for people suffering from mild
depression, a number of side effects are associated with this herbal
remedy - particularly when taken alongside drug medications - and it
should therefore be used under the supervision of a health professional.
Source:
Pharmaceutical J, 1999;263:844
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This page was last updated on 04 December 2006 22:48:10
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