Now, researchers have concluded that a specially manufactured extract from St. John's Wort is at least as effective in treating depression as a commonly prescribed anti-depressant.

Their work has been published by bmj.com and has been made available to the public as of February 10.

St. John's Wort Helped Half of Study Participants

The herb, St. John's Wort, also known by the clinical name "hypericum extract WS 5570," and the drug, Paroxetine (Paxil), which belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class of anti-depressants, were used in a trial to treat patients with moderate or severe depression.

The researchers asked 301 participants of both sexes from German mental health centers to take part in the trial. The two drugs were taken by patients aged 18 to 70 years over a six week period during 2000-2003.

At the end of the trial, half (61 out of 122) of those who took St. John's Wort found their symptoms in decline, while just a third (43 out of 122) of those taking Paroxetine (Paxil) went into remission.

Fewer Reported Side-Effects

Participants taking Paroxetine also suffered more side-effects: 269 adverse effects were reported over the treatment period. In contrast, those taking St. John's Wort reported 172 adverse effects -- the most common, in both cases, being stomach disorders.

The authors support the use of St. John's Wort as an alternative to treat depression and welcome more research in this area.

Click here to view full paper.