The Hypericum Home Page Authors' Comments Hypericum is effective The results of this review imply that hypericum is effective in alleviating the symptoms of a variety of depressive disorders. Thus, almost all placebo-controlled studies reviewed above demonstrate that hypericum is superior to a placebo in treating depression. The studies conducted against standard antidepressants suggest that the therapeutic effect of hypericum is similar to that of Imipramine or Maprotiline. Taken together, these data are scientifically compelling and leave little doubt as to the efficacy of hypericum in the treatment of depressive symptoms.
Some critical points ought to be raised.
Most of the studies have been published recently, virtually all in German and many in journals that might be unfamiliar to an international audience. Thus it is understandable that much of the literature relating to this topic should be published in German journals. Publication bias might have distorted the overall picture. However, there is no definite evidence to suggest that it has, in effect, taken place. It is conceivable that hypericum offers a relevant advantage over conventional antidepressants in this respect.