[New developments in hypericum extracts: data on efficacy and interactions]

Abstract

The recent clinical studies on hypericum extract support the present indications for its use in mild to moderate depression and depressive episodes. The effectiveness is superior to placebo and comparable with synthetic antidepressive drugs. The rate of unwanted events is explicitly lower and their severity in general only mild. A further indication for hypericum could be somatoform disorders, but further clinical studies are recommended. The main compound responsible for interactions is presumably hyperforin, but further ingredients could contribute according to the specific composition of the particular extract.