Nootropic profile
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most extensively researched herbal remedies for mild to moderate depression. It contains active compounds hypericin and hyperforin that modulate serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to support mood balance and emotional wellbeing.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is St. John's Wort?
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a yellow-flowering perennial plant native to Europe that has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Standardised extract: 300 mg three times daily (900 mg total), standardised to 0.3% hypericin or 3–5% hyperforin
- For depression: 900–1,800 mg per day in divided doses; most clinical trials used 900 mg/day
- Onset: Effects typically develop over 2–6 weeks of consistent use - not suitable for acute relief
- Duration: Clinical trials typically run 4–12 weeks; long-term use (up to 1 year) has been studied with maintained efficacy
- Tea: 2–4 g of dried herb steeped for 10 minutes; 1–2 cups per day (less studied than extracts)
Watch out for
- Photosensitivity: The most common side effect. Fair-skinned individuals should use sun protection during supplementation.
- Drug interactions - CRITICAL: St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein enzymes. It significantly reduces the effectiveness of many...
- Serotonin syndrome: Do NOT combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, or other serotonergic drugs - risk of potentially dangerous serotonin syndrome.
- Side effects: Generally mild - GI upset, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and restlessness reported occasionally.
- Pregnancy: Insufficient safety data - avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The science, if you're curious.
- Hyperforin inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), increasing its availability at the synapse and supporting mood regulation - a mechanism shared with...
- Hyperforin also inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, providing broad-spectrum neurotransmitter support for motivation, focus, and emotional...
- Reduces GABA reuptake, enhancing inhibitory signalling that promotes calm and reduces anxiety.
- Hyperforin activates TRPC6 ion channels, which are involved in neuronal growth, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation.
Where to find it
- Standardised extracts: Look for products standardised to 0.3% hypericin (e.g., LI 160, WS 5570 - the extract forms used in most clinical trials)
- Capsules and tablets: Most common supplement form; widely available in pharmacies and health stores
- Tinctures: Liquid extracts available; dosing varies by concentration
- Tea: Dried flowering tops available for brewing; milder effects than standardised extracts
- Topical oil: St. John's Wort oil (red oil) is used externally for wound healing but is not relevant for nootropic use
The research
Frequently asked
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most extensively researched herbal remedies for mild to moderate depression. It contains active compounds hypericin and hyperforin that modulate serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to support mood balance and emotional wellbeing.
The main benefits people report from St. John's Wort are: Anxiety & Calm, Focus, Mood, Motivation, Sleep, Stress Relief.
Standardised extract: 300 mg three times daily (900 mg total), standardised to 0.3% hypericin or 3–5% hyperforinFor depression: 900–1,800 mg per day in divided doses; most clinical trials used 900 mg/dayOnset: Effects typically develop over 2–6 weeks of consistent use - not suitable for acute relief...
Photosensitivity: The most common side effect. Fair-skinned individuals should use sun protection during supplementation.Drug interactions - CRITICAL: St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein enzymes. It significantly reduces the effectiveness of many...Serotonin syndrom...
Hyperforin inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), increasing its availability at the synapse and supporting mood regulation - a mechanism shared with...Hyperforin also inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, providing broad-spectrum neurotransmitter support for motivation, focus, a...
Rate St. John's Wort
Log in to leave an overall rating.
What people are saying
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience.