<<"What are you using it for ? It has been proven that St Johns wort does nothing for depression and that is may cause unwanted sides. I have since stopped taking it." >>
"M18 - I am almost certain that the study you are referring to did not find that SJW does nothing for depression. As I recall, many or most people with severe depression did not report an improvement, but it was not shown that mild depression could not be effectively treated with St. John's Wort. "
"Personally I take it for help sleeping and anxiety. It has been a godsend for me. I honestly have to credit that mild herb for substantially improving the quality of my life. "
"People with severe depression should be under the care of a phsycian who may wish to prescribe an antidepressant. However, based on my experiences I would strongly recommend that those with mild depression, mild anxiety, and/or insomnia give STJ a try. It is essentially free of side effects. "
TREVDOG is correct, the study that the press erroneously hyped did not show that SJW is ineffective for depression, but for severe depression. This is not amazing, since many clinical drugs are ineffective in this condition.
There are numerous studies showing that SJW is effective in mild depression. There are also numerous studies showing that SJW does effect the neurotransmitter levels in the CNS. It seems to be a non-selective neurotransmitter modulator.
P.S. One study showed that SJW can increase GH levels, most likely through its effects on dopamine and prolactin.