NCCAM Clinical Digest
The NCCAM Clinical Digest is a monthly e-newsletter that summarizes the state of the science on complementary health practices and a health condition (diabetes, cancer, sleep disorders, etc.)—clinical guidelines, literature searches, research highlights, and information for patients.
In each issue, you’ll find evidence-based information for several complementary health practices used for the highlighted condition.
If a friend or colleague has directed you to this resource, we encourage you to subscribe to NCCAM Clinical Digest.
St. John’s Wort and Depression
St. John’s wort, a plant that grows in the wild, has been used for centuries for mental health conditions and is widely prescribed for depression in Europe. There is public interest in the United States as well, and many people come to NCCAM’s Web site seeking information on St. John’s wort for depression, consistently making it one of the top five search terms every month. However, current evidence for using St. John’s wort for depression is not conclusive, and the herb can have serious side effects. It is also important to note that in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use as an over-the-counter or prescription medicine for depression.
This issue provides information on what the science says about St. John’s wort for depression, including scientific evidence, side effects and cautions, and tips for talking with your patients.