THE USE OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM AS A THERAPEUTIC ALTERNATIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder worldwide, characterized by persistent mood changes, functional impairment, and significant impact on individuals' quality of life. Given the limitations associated with synthetic antidepressants, such as side effects and low treatment adherence, there has been a growing interest in phytotherapy as a therapeutic alternative. In this context, Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John’s wort, stands out as a widely used herbal medicine for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The present study aimed to analyze the efficacy of Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of depression, as well as to discuss its mechanism of action, safety, and comparison with conventional antidepressants. This study is a qualitative bibliographic review based on the analysis of studies published between 2020 and 2025, retrieved from the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results indicate that the herbal medicine shows significant efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms, with performance comparable to synthetic antidepressants in mild to moderate cases, in addition to better tolerability and fewer adverse effects. Its mechanism of action involves the modulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, as well as possible neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, relevant drug interactions are highlighted, especially due to the induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes, as well as the need for extract standardization. It is concluded that Hypericum perforatum presents promising therapeutic potential, being a viable alternative in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, provided it is used under professional guidance and based on scientific evidence.