St. John's Wort
Mood Support
Also known as: Hypericum perforatum, Hypericum, St. John's Wort (Menopause Mood), Hypericin, Kira
A
Grade A💊 300mg 3x daily (standardized)🎯 9 primary uses🔗 1 synergy⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upVitality+50 pts
Overview
St. John's Wort is a traditional herbal supplement used primarily for mood support, with moderate clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms comparable to some conventional antidepressants. However, it carries significant drug-herb interaction risks and variable standardization across commercial products.
Primary Uses
Mild depressionMood supportSeasonal affective disorderMenopause moodMild-moderate depressionAnxiety (menopause)Mild-to-moderate depressive symptomsEmotional wellnessStress response
Frequently Asked About St. John's Wort
How much St. John's Wort should I take?
The typical effective range is 300mg 3x daily (standardized). Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take St. John's Wort?
With meals, divided. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take St. John's Wort with food?
Yes.
Does St. John's Wort interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Birth control (reduces effectiveness!), SSRIs, and Blood thinners. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting St. John's Wort.
What does St. John's Wort pair well with?
St. John's Wort stacks well with Nothing without checking interactions — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take St. John's Wort?
St. John's Wort should be avoided or used with caution by people with Transplant patients (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy, and Cancer patients on chemotherapy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of St. John's Wort?
Most people tolerate St. John's Wort well. The most commonly reported side effects are Photosensitivity, GI upset, and Fatigue. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
300mg 3x daily (standardized)
Timing
With meals, divided
With food
Yes
Duration
4-6 weeks for effect
Special Populations
Mild depression, SAD
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for St. John's Wortyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Mechanism of Action
- • Contains hypericin and hyperforin
- • MAO inhibition and serotonin effects
- • Multiple mechanisms
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade A
Strong evidence for mild-moderate depression
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • MAJOR drug interactions with 500+ medications
- • Serotonin syndrome risk with antidepressants
- • Reduces efficacy of oral contraceptives
- • Can cause organ rejection in transplant patients
- • Can cause HIV treatment failure
- • Can cause chemotherapy treatment failure
Contraindications
- • Transplant patients (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)
- • HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy
- • Cancer patients on chemotherapy
- • Patients on SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs
- • Patients on warfarin or anticoagulants
- • Women using hormonal contraceptives
- • Bipolar disorder (may trigger mania)
- • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Common Side Effects
- • Photosensitivity
- • GI upset
- • Fatigue
- • Dry mouth
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid
Liver & Kidney Notes
Induces liver enzymes
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Birth control (reduces effectiveness!)
- • SSRIs
- • Blood thinners
- • HIV meds
- • Many others
🧪 Supplements
- • 5-HTP (serotonin syndrome)
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • No significant
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Nothing without checking interactions
Avoid Combining With
Many medications - check all
Best Goal Synergies
Mild depression without meds
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Standardized extract
Standardization Markers
0.3% hypericin3-5% hyperforin
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
- • CHECK ALL DRUG INTERACTIONS
- • Reduces birth control!
- • MAJOR drug interactions - check all meds
- • Sun sensitivity - use sunscreen
- • Effective for menopause mood with Black Cohosh
Tags
mooddepressionherbphotosensitivitymenopauseherbalmood-supporttraditional-medicinehigh-interaction-riskvariable-standardization
More in Mood Support
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). St. John's Wort — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/st-johns-wort
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.