General Dosage
900mg/day divided into 3 doses of 300mg, standardized to 0.3% hypericin (or 3-5% hyperforin)
Maximum dose: 1,800mg/day (used in some clinical trials; higher doses increase photosensitivity risk and drug interaction severity)
St. John's Wort Dosage Guide
Evidence:Strong
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Dosage Recommendations
General recommendation: 900mg/day divided into 3 doses of 300mg, standardized to 0.3% hypericin (or 3-5% hyperforin)
Timing: Divide into 2-3 daily doses with meals to improve absorption and reduce GI discomfort; consistent daily timing helps maintain stable blood levels • Take with food for best absorption.
Dosage by Condition
Mild-to-moderate depression
900mg/day (300mg 3x daily) for 6-12 weeks minimumStrong
Moderate depression (higher dose)
1,200-1,800mg/day in clinical trials showing dose-responseModerate
Generalized anxiety / social anxiety
900mg/day (300mg 3x daily)Emerging
Seasonal affective disorder
900mg/day, often combined with light therapyEmerging
General mood and stress support
600-900mg/dayModerate
| Condition | Recommended Dose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mild-to-moderate depression | 900mg/day (300mg 3x daily) for 6-12 weeks minimum | Strong |
| Moderate depression (higher dose) | 1,200-1,800mg/day in clinical trials showing dose-response | Moderate |
| Generalized anxiety / social anxiety | 900mg/day (300mg 3x daily) | Emerging |
| Seasonal affective disorder | 900mg/day, often combined with light therapy | Emerging |
| General mood and stress support | 600-900mg/day | Moderate |
Upper limit: 1,800mg/day (used in some clinical trials; higher doses increase photosensitivity risk and drug interaction severity)
Timing & Absorption
Divide into 2-3 daily doses with meals to improve absorption and reduce GI discomfort; consistent daily timing helps maintain stable blood levels
Best taken with food for optimal absorption.
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References
- Meta-analysisLinde K, Berner MM, Kriston L (2008). St John's wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
- Moore LB, Goodwin B, Jones SA, Wisely GB, Serabjit-Singh CJ, Willson TM, Collins JL, Kliewer SA (2000). St. John's wort induces hepatic drug metabolism through activation of the pregnane X receptor. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisZhao X, Zhang H, Wu Y, Yu C (2023). 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.. Advances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University. DOI PubMed
- Meta-analysisNg QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CY (2017). Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis.. Journal of affective disorders. DOI PubMed
- ReviewApaydin EA, Maher AR, Shanman R, Booth MS, et al. (2016). A systematic review of St. John's wort for major depressive disorder.. Systematic reviews. DOI PubMed
- Sarris J, Nierenberg AA, Schweitzer I, Alpert JE, et al. (2013). Conditional probability of response or nonresponse of placebo compared with antidepressants or St John's Wort in major depressive disorder.. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- RCTKasper S, Gastpar M, Möller HJ, Müller WE, et al. (2010). Better tolerability of St. John's wort extract WS 5570 compared to treatment with SSRIs: a reanalysis of data from controlled clinical trials in acute major depression.. International clinical psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed