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Types of St. John's Wort: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Standardized Extract (0.3% Hypericin)ModerateMost clinically studied form — the standard used in Cochrane and major RCTs; typically 300mg capsules taken 3x daily; hypericin standardization is the industry norm
Standardized Extract (3-5% Hyperforin)ModerateTargeting the primary active compound — hyperforin is the main antidepressant agent; more pharmacologically relevant standardization but less common commercially
Whole Herb / TeaLowMild mood support — traditional preparation; inconsistent active compound levels make dosing unpredictable; not recommended for clinical depression treatment

Standardized Extract (0.3% Hypericin)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Most clinically studied form — the standard used in Cochrane and major RCTs; typically 300mg capsules taken 3x daily; hypericin standardization is the industry norm.

Standardized Extract (3-5% Hyperforin)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Targeting the primary active compound — hyperforin is the main antidepressant agent; more pharmacologically relevant standardization but less common commercially.

Whole Herb / Tea

Bioavailability: Low. Best for: Mild mood support — traditional preparation; inconsistent active compound levels make dosing unpredictable; not recommended for clinical depression treatment.

Find the best St. John's Wort for your needs
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Full St. John's Wort Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisLinde K, Berner MM, Kriston L (2008). St John's wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
Show 1 more reference
  1. Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, Volz HP, et al. (2008). Efficacy of St. John's wort extract WS 5570 in acute treatment of mild depression: a reanalysis of data from controlled clinical trials.. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience. DOI PubMed