Evidence supporting the use of: St. John's Wort
For the health condition: PMS Type D
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been investigated for its effects on mood disorders, primarily mild to moderate depression. PMS Type D (“depressive” type) is characterized by symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depressed mood, and tearfulness, which overlap with depressive disorders. Scientific interest in St. John’s Wort for PMS Type D stems from its established antidepressant properties, believed to result from inhibition of the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
A small number of clinical studies have explored St. John’s Wort for premenstrual symptoms. Notably, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2009) found that St. John’s Wort significantly improved physical and behavioral symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome compared to placebo, though the effect size was modest and mood-specific results were less robust than for physical symptoms. Other smaller studies have echoed these findings, suggesting slight benefit for mood-related PMS symptoms.
However, the evidence remains limited: studies are few, sample sizes are small, and results are mixed. While there is a plausible rationale for use based on its antidepressant activity, and preliminary clinical data for PMS symptoms including mood, rigorous large-scale trials specific to PMS Type D are lacking. Thus, the current scientific support is weak to moderate, and St. John’s Wort should be used with caution, considering potential interactions and side effects.