alexandra - My apologies; I haven't personally researched SJW in a few years. It looks like BMJ has published a study showing SJW's efficacy. Although, there was some concerns voiced.

Another apology. The NEJM did not publish a recent SJW study. It was a couple of (JAMA-1 & JAMA-2) a few years back that made news. These studies were what my faulty memory remembered.

Using the same preparation of SJW a clinical trial in American Journal of Psychiatry also showed efficacy for SJW.

The above studies used specially prepared extract of SJW. I am not sure that this product is available for sale in Canada or the US. Although I did find one product claiming to be better thanthe WS 5570 extract used in the studies. Most commercially available preparations are not made with the same exacting standards as those used in the above trials. Herbal products are unregulated; as such they are not manufactured to the same standards required by medications. Thus, one cannot be certain that one is buying a product with similar efficacy as those used in the above studies.

Furthermore, the Cochrane Library is not convinced that SJW is an effective treatment. The Cochrane Library is a collection of databases that contain high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. Cochrane reviews represent the highest level of evidence on which to base clinical treatment decisions and is the most trusted of evidence-based medicine databases.

I do not believe that I'd ever use or trust commercially available preparations of SJW, but far be it for me to stop anyone else from doing so. I am not fully convinced that SJW is as safe and effective as some studies suggest. Granted, this is only my personal opinion.

Again, I apologize for not checking my facts before posting. My memory ain't what it used to be. I hope that you'll forgive me. Sincerely - Cam