St. John's Wort vs Omega-3
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 (contraindicated vs serious).
For mood, St. John's Wort has the stronger evidence grade.
St. John's Wort
grade B moderate certainty
effective for mild-to-moderate depression in trials
300 mg ×3/day, adults, mild-to-moderate depression
Omega-3
grade C moderate certainty
small benefit for depressive symptoms, clearest with higher-EPA formulations
1–2 g EPA, adults with depression
sources: PMID:00000009 · PMID:20000102