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Hypericum and NursesA Comprehensive Literature Review on the Efficacy of St. John's Wort in the Treatment of DepressionWilliam Jewell College of Nursing
William Jewell College of Nursing
William Jewell College of Nursing
William Jewell College of Nursing Purpose: Many patients look to complementary and alternative medicine for a herbal solution to depression. This literature review summarizes recently published research on the treatment of depression using St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Conclusions: The compounds in St. John's wort herbal preparations are more effective than placebo and, in several studies, more effective than common antidepressant medications in treating minor depression. However, the efficacy of St. John's wort for treating major depression, cyclothymia, or bipolar disorder is less evident. Although some studies are promising in the treatment of these major disorders, research support is lacking, and it is a controversial aspect of Hypericum therapy. Practice implications: As with any herbal treatment, risks from adverse reactions and drug interactions exist. Providers have an ethical and legal obligation to stay current in knowledge and to provide useful, accurate information to patients.
Key Words: St. John's wort Hypericum depression complementary and alternative medicine nursing
This version was published on September
1, 2008 Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 26, No. 3,
200-207 (2008) This article has been cited by other articles:
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