J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2002 Oct; 14(10): 443-8.

Implications of self-administered St. John's wort for depression symptom management.

Boehnlein B, Oakley LD.

Marinette County Health & Human Service Department, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, USA. BBoehnlein@marinettecounty.com

PURPOSE: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with a greater understanding of the complex issues surrounding St. John's wort as a self-treatment for depression; to review laws regulating the production and sale of herbal products in the United States (U.S.); and to review clinical and practice implications for the self-administration of St. John's wort and herbal treatments. DATA SOURCES: Federal regulations pertaining to herbal products, current research literature, and anecdotal and consumer reports. CONCLUSIONS: Current research findings suggest that St. John's wort may be an effective treatment for mild depression; however, evidence of significant adverse drug interactions with St. John's wort should not be overlooked. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinical assessment of the mildly depressed patient wishing to self-administer St. John's wort requires basic knowledge of this herbal supplement including regulation and risk information. An open NP-patient relationship helps to ensure patient disclosure of self-administered St. John's wort.