Lee Swanson Research Update

St. John's Wort Significantly More Effective Than Prozac

December 2005

St. John's Wort

Scientists researching the antidepressant efficacy of St. John's wort have found the herb to be "significantly more effective" than fluoxetine (Prozac), according to a study published in the October Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

The study evaluated 135 people age 18-65 who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), 57% of whom were women. In the randomized, double-blind study, subjects were given either 900 mg of St. John's wort per day for 12 weeks, 20 mg of fluoxetine, or placebo.

Researchers measured levels of depression according to the 17-point Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17). Eligible patients were required to have a score of at least 16 at baseline. St. John's wort treatment was associated with a significantly greater decrease in HAMD-17 scores compared to fluoxetine.

No one taking St. John's wort left the study due to adverse events. However, four percent of subjects taking fluoxetine left the study because of problems.

Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 25(5):441-447, 2005

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