This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Original Research

An Open-Label Trial of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Leslie vH. Taylor and Kenneth A. Kobak

Published: August 31, 2000

Article Abstract

Background: Recent interest in and evidence forthe efficacy of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) forthe treatment of mild-to-moderate depression has led tospeculation about its efficacy in other disorders. Hypericum’smechanism of action is postulated to be via inhibition of thesynaptosomal uptake of serotonin. As such, there is a suggestionthat Hypericum may be effective for obsessive-compulsivedisorder (OCD).

Method: Twelve subjects were evaluated with aprimary DSM-IV diagnosis of OCD of at least 12 months’ duration.Treatment lasted for 12 weeks, with a fixed dose of 450 mg of0.3% hypericin (a psychoactive compound in Hypericum)twice daily (extended-release formulation). Weekly evaluationswere conducted with the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale(Y-BOCS), the Patient Global Impressions of Improvement Scale,and the Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement scale (CGI)and monthly evaluation with the Hamilton Rating Scale forDepression.

Results: A significant change from baseline toendpoint was found, with a mean Y-BOCS change of 7.4 points (p =.001). Significant change occurred at 1 week (p = .020) andcontinued to increase throughout the trial. At endpoint, 5 (42%)of 12 were rated “much” or “very muchimproved” on the clinician-rated CGI, 6 (50%) were”minimally improved,” and 1 (8%) had “nochange.” The most common side effects reported were diarrhea(N = 3) and restless sleep (N = 2).

Conclusion: Significant improvement was foundwith Hypericum, with a drop-in Y-BOCS score similar tothat found in clinical trials. The fact that a significant changewas found as early as 1 week into treatment suggests a possibleinitial placebo response, although improvement grew larger overtime. Results warrant a placebo-controlled study of Hypericum inOCD.

Volume: 61

Quick Links: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Continue Reading…

Subscribe to read the entire article

$40.00

Buy this Article as a PDF