Objective: To report 2 cases of adverse reactions to St John's wort, a popu
lar herbal treatment for depression.
Method: We present 2 case histories and review the existing literature rega
rding St John's wort.
Results: St John's wort may cause serotonin syndrome in sensitive patients.
In addition, St John's wort may be associated with hair loss.
Conclusions: For clinical reasons, it is important to recognize and report
adverse reactions to herbal remedies and to document that these treatments
have side effects commensurate with their potent action on brain neurochemi
stry.