St John's wort extract looks promising in severe major depression

A high quality extract from the herb St John’s wort (SJW), has less side-effects and is as effective as antidepressants and more effective than placebo for treatment of moderate to severe major depression, according to a recent review. Multiple studies on Hypericum extracts from SJW show a benefit in mild to moderate depression, but to date evidence is sparse on its use in severe, major depression as well as long-term prophylactic treatment after recovery from an acute episode.