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

Reviewed by·PharmD, BCPS

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 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.

Full St. John's Wort Guide

References

  1. Linde K, Berner MM, Kriston L (2008). St John's wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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