A hyperforin extract of the root of the St. John's Wort herb was found to be more effective than the antidepressant Paxil for people who were diagnosed with moderate to severe depression.
A 6 week German study found that individuals taking St. John's Wort, with a 5% extract of Hyperforin reported lowered levels of depression over the course of the treatment period.
The study included 251 patients with a Hamilton Depression Scale ratings of 22 or higher. Over a period of 6 weeks, patients took 3 daily doses of St. Johns Wort or a dose of Paxil. Patients taking Paxil reported an average reduction of 14.4 points in comparison to a reduction of 11.4 with paxil.
The trial shows that St. John's Wort was not only more effective than Paxil in the treatment of moderate to severe depression, but that the results were significant in helping to reduce symptoms.
In addition, patients reported fewer side effects when taking the SJW supplement as compared to Paxil.
The validity of the study was verified by independent medical experts and the findings appear in the February 12th issue of the British Medical Journal.
European regulators have already approved specific St. Johns Wort products for the treatment of major depression of mild to moderate severity.
© Copyright 2007 Insight Journal Online Magazine.
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