Posted by JohnL on February 6, 2000, at 3:58:53
In reply to St Johns Wort Brands?, posted by Peter on February 5, 2000, at 13:16:56
Kira and Movana, at most drug stores, Wal*Marts, Kmarts, etc, are the same LI160 formula used in clinical trials. Pharmaceutical grade. Nature's Way Perika at some health food stores is also. There is a theory that the hyperforin content--more than the commonly assumed hypericin content--is the more important ingredient. LI160 formulas have between 3% to 5% hyperforin. With other brands you may or may not get that.
While theories suggest there are many modes of action of SJW, one possible mode is MAO inhibition. However, any MAOI action is theoretically found in the raw herb, not the extract. I have heard reports of people taking LI160 as a base treatment, and taking another brand in addition that has raw herb mixed in it to cover all the possible bases.
While the standard dose of 3 pills a day might be OK for mild to moderate depression, some clinical trials used either 6 or 9 pills a day for more severe depression. One clinical study determined that one 300mg pill of SJW is roughly equivalent to 10mg of a tricyclic antidepressant. So it makes sense that 6 to 9 pills a day is more in line with therapeutic doses.
poster:JohnL
thread:20420
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000128/msgs/20600.html