What is St. John's wort?

St. John's wort has historically been used for a variety of ailments. However, it's probably best known for its short-term use for mild-to-moderate depression. But is this herbal product that you can pick up at almost any pharmacy without a prescription really going to help improve your mood? Are there any risks associated with its use? Is St. John's wort really the right thing for you? Depression can be a disabling condition for some people, and studies have shown that it may increase your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It's very important to talk to your doctor if you think you might be suffering from depression so your condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.

St. John's wort is a yellow flowering plant and its use can be traced back 2000 years. Although we know much more about it now than we knew then, the exact mechanism for how it works in helping with depression is still up for debate. One recent theory suggests that it works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression. Commercially-available St. John's wort comes from the species Hypericum perforatum and is made up of many chemical components, of which two (hyperforin and hypericin) are thought to be the main active ingredients. Most St. John's wort products are standardized for these two ingredients. This means products are guaranteed to contain a certain amount of each ingredient.

Does St. John's wort really work?

According to scientific evidence, St. John's wort has been shown to be effective in treating mild-to-moderate depression. Studies have found it as effective as some older antidepressant medications. Also, clinical studies show that when St. John's wort is used for short-term periods (i.e., less than three months) at recommended doses, it is well tolerated (i.e., the side effects are tolerable). Recent clinical studies have shown that St. John's wort may also be effective for more serious, debilitating depression, and may be as effective as and have fewer side effects than some newer antidepressant medications. However, more research is needed.

What else do I need to know?

Before you start taking St. John's wort, you and your health care professional should consider your overall health and medical history, as well as possible interactions between St. John's wort and any other medications you are currently taking (prescription and non-prescription). Recent studies have raised more concerns over interactions between St. John's wort and other medications (such as some of those used for contraception, HIV, cancer, and depression). These interactions can put you at risk of serious complications.

While Health Canada now regulates herbal products to ensure that they contain exactly what is shown on the label, this wasn't always the case. Make sure to always choose products that have been approved by Health Canada and have an NPN (Natural Product Number) or DIN (Drug Identification Number) number on the label. These numbers help ensure that the products you are buying meet Health Canada's standards for quality and effectiveness. Ask your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for more information.

It is important to remember that St. John's wort is not for everyone, and before you start using it or any other natural health product or medication (prescription or non-prescription), you should always talk to your doctor or Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist first. Remember, just because the bottle says "natural," doesn't mean that what's in the bottle can't harm you. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. Your doctor and Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist are there to help.