Natural Supplement Targets Depression & Anxiety

A clinical trial has shown that an herbal supplement comprising 450mg St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and 350mg Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) per daily dose can ease mild to moderate depression.

Significantly it shows a considerable reduction in depression and anxiety. The results were felt quickly – within two weeks of taking the supplement (St John’s Wort alone is recognised as achieving this reduction within four to six weeks).

St John’s Wort is renowned for its effectiveness in treating mild depression but patients are advised it can take up to six weeks to take full effect. Passionflower is known to ease anxiety quickly. It is concluded that the combination of these two herbs in this synergistic supplement brings about a reduction in both depression and anxiety.

The trial was double-blind, placebo controlled and randomised and 162 people took part. They were classified as either mildly depressed (14-17 on the Hamilton Scale of Depression – HAMD) or moderately depressed (18-24 on the HAMD).

The Hamilton scale runs from 0-30: In light depression HAMD-17 total scores sum 8-13.

- A score between 14-18 is mild depression
- Between 18-24 is moderate severe depression
- And 25 or more is severe depression

The patients took either the St John’s Wort and Passionflower combination or a placebo for eight weeks during which time their HAMD and HAMA (Hamilton Scale for Anxiety) were measured

- Those on the supplement showed significant improvement
- Those mildly depressed went from around 15 on the scale to 8
- At the same time the placebo group worsened from around 15 to 17
- Those moderately depressed went from around 20 to 8 (within the time scale)
- At the same time the placebo group worsened from around 20 to 21
- After 56 days the placebo groups were crossed over, so the placebo group took the supplement.
- When the placebo group switched to taking the supplement they saw a drop of 39.6% and 31.6% in their HAMD and HAMA ratings respectively – with a major drop in both showing within four weeks

Depression: A Big Problem

In the UK, around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men in the UK suffer depression serious enough to need treatment (Source: UK Department of Health, 2005). It is estimated that around 1/3 of Britons suffer some level of depression, ‘the blues’ or SAD. This study shows that they could find relief from their symptoms naturally, without resorting to drugs.

St John’s Wort with Passionflower supplement is available here in the UK now.