St. John's Wort is effective for treating anxiety disorders
5.0Limited
evidence
evidence
The Claim
It's a common belief that St. John's Wort can treat anxiety disorders due to its effects on mood and neurotransmitters.
Origin
This myth is likely influenced by its known use in depression, with consumers extrapolating its benefits to anxiety due to the overlap in symptoms and treatment goals.
What Science Says
The evidence for St. John's Wort's efficacy in treating anxiety disorders is limited and inconsistent. Some small-scale studies suggest potential benefits, but larger RCTs and systematic reviews indicate that it is not as effective as other treatments specifically designed for anxiety. The effects observed in depression do not necessarily translate to anxiety.
Verdict
Misleading
Sources
- PMID:28064110 Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis.
- PMID:36226689 The efficacy and safety of St. John's wort extract in depression therapy compared to SSRIs in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
- PMID:35311615 Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce.