St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant historically used in traditional medicine for various ailments. Its primary active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are thought to contribute to its therapeutic effects. It is most recognized for its potential role in addressing mood imbalances, specifically mild to moderate depressive symptoms, and can also be considered for related anxiety or sleep disturbances. The mechanism of action is complex but involves modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It is believed to inhibit the reuptake of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, thereby increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft. This action is analogous to that of some pharmaceutical antidepressants, though the exact pathways and extent of action differ. Beyond its mood-supporting properties, St. John's Wort has also been traditionally used topically for skin conditions, wounds, and burns due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, its internal use for mood is the most studied application, and caution is advised due to its significant potential for drug interactions.
Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern AfricaMeadowsClearingsRoadsides
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Minimum300 mg
Maximum900 mg
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:300–900 mg
The active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are thought to inhibit the reuptake of key neurotransmitters, increasing their availability in the brain. It has significant potential for drug interactions and should be used with medical guidance.
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Impact
Situational effect
St. John's Wort works by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. It is effective for lifting mood when stress manifests as depressive symptoms, but must be used with caution due to significant interactions with many prescription medications, making it situationally appropriate.
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remove_circle_outline Negative Interactions
Tryptophan
May increase serotonin levels, raising the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with St. John's Wort.
5-HTP
May significantly increase serotonin levels, leading to a higher risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with St. John's Wort.
Melatonin
St. John's Wort may affect the metabolism or effectiveness of Melatonin.
Valerian
May lead to additive sedative effects or increased central nervous system depression.
Caffeine
St. John's Wort can induce CYP1A2 enzymes, potentially leading to faster metabolism and reduced effectiveness of Caffeine for some individuals.
82 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract
Swanson Superior Herbs
4.7
★★★★★
(816 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
A hypericin-standardized St. John's Wort extract providing consistent potency at a good price point.
75 Best 
St. John's Wort 700 mg
Nature's Way
4.5
★★★★★
(4662 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 700 mg
A high-dose, whole-herb St. John's Wort supplement, offering 700mg per capsule without specific active compound standardization.
77 Best 
St. Johns Wort 1000 mg
Nutricost
4.6
★★★★★
(358 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 1000 mg
A very high-dose, whole-herb St. John's Wort supplement, offering 1000mg per capsule at a remarkably low price.
62 Best 
St. John's Wort Extract Alcohol-Free
Nature's Answer
4.5
★★★★★
(977 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 1000 mg
An expensive, unstandardized liquid St. John's Wort extract for those who prefer an alcohol-free liquid form.
92 Value 
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(3640 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
An exceptionally affordable and standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing 300mg with hypericin for consistent mood and stress support.
75 Value 
St. John's Wort 300 mg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(29 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
A hypericin-standardized St. John's Wort extract from a reputable brand, offering good value.
75 Best 
St. John's Wort Herb 700 mg
Nature's Way
4.5
★★★★★
(14954 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 700 mg
A high-dose, whole-herb St. John's Wort supplement, offering 700mg per capsule without specific active compound standardization.
90 Value 
St. John's Wort 300 mg
Nature's Bounty
4.6
★★★★★
(10404 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
An exceptionally affordable and standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing 300mg with hypericin for consistent mood and stress support.
60 Best 
St. John's Wort 450 mg
Solaray
4.5
★★★★★
(495 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 900 mg
An expensive, unstandardized organic whole herb St. John's Wort, offering a high dose for traditional use.
72 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract
21st Century
4.5
★★★★★
(1081 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
A very affordable St. John's Wort extract, good for budget-conscious users, but lacks specific active compound standardization.
78 Best 
St. John's Wort
Oregon's Wild Harvest
4.6
★★★★★
(37 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 1000 mg
A high-dose, fresh organic liquid St. John's Wort extract, offering 1000mg per serving without specific active compound standardization.
70 Best 
St. John's Wort
Oregon's Wild Harvest
4.4
★★★★★
(74 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 1050 mg
An organic St. John's Wort featuring flavonoids and hypericins, but very expensive and with limited customer feedback.
80 Budget 
Full Spectrum St. John's Wort Extract 600 mg
Planetary Herbals
4.5
★★★★★
(246 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 500 mg
A high-dose, full-spectrum St. John's Wort extract with 600mg per tablet, offered at a very affordable price.
85 Best 
St. John's Positive Thoughts
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(612 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 900 mg
This product is a robust blend of B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a variety of herbal extracts, primarily formulated to support mood, reduce stress, and aid cognitive function.
89 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4282 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
An excellent value, hypericin-standardized St. John's Wort extract, highly rated by a large customer base.
67 Best 
St. John's Wort 700 mg
Herbal Secrets
4.5
★★★★★
(35 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 700 mg
A very affordable, high-dose St. John's Wort 'extract' that lacks specific active compound standardization.
90 Value 
St. John's Wort Extract 300 mg
Lake Avenue Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(4282 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
An exceptionally affordable and standardized St. John's Wort extract, providing 300mg with hypericin for consistent mood and stress support.
91 Budget 
St. John's Wort 300 mg
California Gold Nutrition EuroHerbs
4.5
★★★★★
(5549 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 300 mg
A top-tier, hypericin-standardized St. John's Wort extract offering exceptional value and widespread customer satisfaction.
78 Best 
St. John's Wort Liquid Phyto-Caps
Gaia Herbs Professional Solutions
4.6
★★★★★
(79 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 1350 mg
A high-dose St. John's Wort in liquid phyto-caps, offering a substantial amount of the herb without specific active compound standardization.
68 Value 
St. John's Wort 375 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.7
★★★★★
(3478 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 375 mg
A very affordable, unstandardized whole herb St. John's Wort option for general mood and stress support.
70 Value 
St. John's Wort 375 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
4.6
★★★★★
(4098 ratings)
St. John's Wort: 375 mg
An economical, unstandardized whole herb St. John's Wort in a larger package for extended use.
Average$16.72
Median$14.33
Average$0.39
Median$0.20
Average$0.04
Median$0.03
Reference amount: 100 mg
Hypericins refer to the group of naphthodianthrone compounds, including hypericin and pseudohypericin, present in Hypericum perforatum. These compounds contribute to the plant's characteristic red pigment and are involved in its photoactive and antidepressant properties. They are thought to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and influence neurotransmitter reuptake.
- Represents a key class of active compounds
- Contributes to broad spectrum of effects
- Specific individual effects can vary
- May cause photosensitivity
Avg$15.75
Med$11.84
Avg$0.18
Med$0.10
Avg$0.04
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Hypericins refer to the group of naphthodianthrone compounds, including hypericin and pseudohypericin, present in Hypericum perforatum. These compounds contribute to the plant's characteristic red pigment and are involved in its photoactive and antidepressant properties. They are thought to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and influence neurotransmitter reuptake.
- Represents a key class of active compounds
- Contributes to broad spectrum of effects
- Specific individual effects can vary
- May cause photosensitivity
Avg$7.19
Med$7.19
Avg$0.05
Med$0.05
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
Hypercins refer to the group of naphthodianthrone compounds, including hypericin and pseudohypericin, present in Hypericum perforatum. These compounds contribute to the plant's characteristic red pigment and are involved in its photoactive and antidepressant properties. They are thought to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and influence neurotransmitter reuptake.
- Represents a key class of active compounds
- Contributes to broad spectrum of effects
- Specific individual effects can vary
- May cause photosensitivity
Avg$22.69
Med$22.69
Avg$0.63
Med$0.63
Avg$0.33
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Hyperforin is a lipophilic phloroglucinol derivative and a major active compound in St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). It is primarily responsible for inhibiting the reuptake of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate, thereby contributing significantly to the plant's antidepressant effects.
- Strong evidence for antidepressant activity
- Acts on multiple neurotransmitters
- Less associated with photosensitivity than hypericin
- Can cause digestive upset
- Also involved in drug interactions
Avg$20.85
Med$20.85
Avg$0.34
Med$0.34
Avg$0.08
Med$0.08
Price distribution
Dianthrones are a class of aromatic organic compounds consisting of two anthrone units linked together. Hypericin and pseudohypericin, key photoactive and biologically active compounds in St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), are well-known dianthrones. They are believed to contribute to the herb's mood-supportive effects, particularly through MAO inhibition.
- Represents a key chemical class of active compounds
- Includes components contributing to mood effects
- Less specific than 'Hypericin'
- May encompass compounds with less direct therapeutic relevance
Avg$17.09
Med$17.09
Avg$0.18
Med$0.18
Avg$0.06
Med$0.06
Price distribution
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a perennial herb historically used for mood disorders. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to a complex interplay of various compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. It is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating mild to moderate depression.
- Comprehensive spectrum of active compounds, potentially offering synergistic effects
- Extensive research supporting efficacy for mood
- Significant potential for drug interactions
- Can cause photosensitivity
- Effectiveness may vary based on extract standardization
Avg$5.93
Med$5.93
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution
St. John's Wort refers to the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum, widely used in herbal medicine for its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Its therapeutic actions are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including hypericin and hyperforin, which influence neurotransmitter systems.
- Broadly recognized and studied for mood support
- Readily available in various forms (teas, capsules, tinctures)
- Numerous and significant drug interactions
- Potential for photosensitivity
- Not recommended for severe depression
Avg$17.29
Med$17.29
Avg$0.72
Med$0.72
Avg$0.18
Med$0.18
Price distribution
Freeze-drying is a process that removes water from the St. John's Wort plant material by freezing it and then sublimating the ice under vacuum. This gentle method is often used to preserve heat-sensitive compounds and maintain the plant's full phytochemical profile, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids, potentially offering a more 'whole food' or 'raw' form of the herb.
- Preserves a wider spectrum of natural compounds
- Less degradation of heat-sensitive components
- May offer a more holistic effect
- Still subject to the same drug interaction and photosensitivity warnings as other St. John's Wort forms
- Standardization of active compounds can vary
Avg$18.35
Med$18.35
Avg$0.20
Med$0.20
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution