ADVERSE-EFFECTS PROFILE OF THE HERBAL ANTIDEPRESSANT ST.-JOHNS-WORT (HYPERICUM-PERFORATUM L.)

Objective: This paper provides a systematic review of adverse drug rea ctions (ADRs) associated with the use of extracts of the herb St. John 's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) for the treatment of mild to moderat e depression. Methods: Searches of four computerized literature databa ses were performed for records of (ADRs). Manufacturers of hypericum p roducts. the international drug monitoring centre of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the national drug safety monitoring bodies of G ermany and the United Kingdom were also contacted for information. Res ults: Information on (ADRs) originates from case reports. clinical tri als, post-marketing surveillance and drug monitoring studies. Collecti vely, the data suggest that hypericum is well tolerated? with an incid ence of adverse reactions similar to that of placebo. The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness/confusion and tiredness/sedation. A potential serious adverse effect is photosensit ivity, but this appears to occur extremely rarely. Conclusions: Hyperi cum has an encouraging safety profile. However, as most of the current data originate from short-term investigations, more long-term studies are desirable.