St John's wort as an antidepressant

摘要: Among the many remarkable differences between German and British medicine is extensive use of herbal medicines in Germany. An example Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) for psychological complaints. In 1994 physicians prescribed almost 66 million daily doses preparations containing hypericum alone, worth a total DM61m (£26m).1 this issue Linde et al (p 253) conclude from meta-analysis that extracts are more effective than placebo treating mild to moderately severe depressive disorders.2 How should evidence be weighed? Diagnostically, disorders form heterogeneous group which includes major depression as well states not satisfying criteria full syndrome. These diagnostic types defined by severity but clusters symptoms length time they last. Since efficacy antidepressants documented, syndrome useful when considering treatment with antidepressants. Antidepressant drugs particularly recommended moderate forms depression. …