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
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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.
References
- Linde K, Berner MM, Kriston L (2008). St John's wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
- Gastpar M, Singer A, Zeller K (2006). Comparative efficacy and safety of a once-daily dosage of hypericum extract STW3-VI and citalopram in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Pharmacopsychiatry. 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
- Muller WE, Singer A, Wonnemann M, Hafner U, Rolli M, Schafer C (1998). Hyperforin represents the neurotransmitter reuptake inhibiting constituent of hypericum extract. Pharmacopsychiatry. DOI PubMed
- Kobak KA, Taylor LV, Bystritsky A, Kohlenberg CJ, Greist JH, Tucker P, Warner G, Futterer R, Vapnik T (2005). St John's wort versus placebo in social phobia: results from a placebo-controlled pilot study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Rahimi R, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M (2009). Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum perforatum in major depressive disorder in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a meta-analysis. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. DOI PubMed