supported by studies A meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal in 1996 reviewed 23 published trials on St. John’s Wort involving more than 1,700 patients. The researchers, lead by Klaus Linde, M.D., reported findings that extracts of St. John’s Wort were more effective than a placebo for the treatment of mild to moderately severe depression. The authors emphasized that it’s not yet known whether the extracts are more effective for some types of depression than others, but that certainly looks to be the case. It’s worth noting that overall, only about 10 percent of the patients in the studies had side effects with St. John’s Wort (like dry mouth, allergic reactions, and some gastrointestinal upset), compared with about 35 percent
WORtH KnOWInG There’s a lack of info about the effects of taking 5-HTP during pregnancy, so check with your health professional or be on the safe side and don’t use it. It can affect prolactin, a hormone necessary for milk production, so it might be a good idea to avoid it while breastfeeding. Because it does increase serotonin, it’s wise to check with a knowledgeable health care professional about possible interactions with other drugs or supplements. Really. Though 5-HTP is great stuff, don’t start mixing and matching with pharmaceuticals or taking yourself off medications without your doctor’s knowledge. It can be done, but do it wisely and with supervision.
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