A to Z of MS St John's wort

St John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is a herb that has been shown to be effective in treating depression. The available evidence suggests that the hypericum extracts tested in the trials were as effective as standard antidepressants and had fewer side effects.

Current NICE guidelines do not recommend its use because of ongoing concerns about appropriate doses, duration of effect, variation in preparations and potential for serious drug intereactions. Of specific interest to people with multiple sclerosis, St John's wort shouldn't be used when taking amitriptyline, carbamazepine, imipramine, phenytoin, nortriptyline, phenobarbital and primidone. It can also counteract the effects of warfarin and oral contraceptives.

It is important that health professionals are aware that St John's wort is being taken.

Reference

Linde K, et al.
St John's Wort for major depression.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD000448.
abstract

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Depression: the treatment and management of depression in adults: NICE Clinical Guideline 90.
London: NICE; 2009.
read on the NICE website

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