5-HTP vs St. John's Wort

for mood

Stronger evidence: St. John's Wort

Stronger effect: St. John's Wort

Safety: St. John's Wort has the more serious interaction profile (serious vs contraindicated).

For mood, St. John's Wort has the stronger evidence grade.

grade C low certainty

preliminary antidepressant signal; small, lower-quality studies

grade B moderate certainty

effective for mild-to-moderate depression in trials

300 mg ×3/day, adults, mild-to-moderate depression

sources: PMID:00000035 · PMID:00000009