I’m a pharmacist — beware the potentially dangerous effects of this common herbal supplement – New York Post

Warning on Saint-John’s-Wort Interactions

What a worrywort. Pharmacist Ethan Melillo has a strong warning for those considering Saint-John’s-worth as an herbal supplement, especially if they are on other medications. He labels it the “worst supplement to take if you are on other medications.” This shrubby plant has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries.

Ethan Melillo, through a TikTok this month that garnered 60,600 views, warns that this natural supplement has significant interaction potential with almost everything. The Mayo Clinic lists nearly two dozen types of potentially harmful Saint-John’s-wort interactions, including with antihistamines, narcotics, and birth control pills.

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina reported that Saint-John’s-worth can reduce the concentration of blood thinners, cancer chemotherapy agents, and blood pressure medications. The credit for the shrubby plant image goes to Olena Rudo on stock.adobe.com.

In a span of 17 years from 1993 to 2010, Melillo’s team found that potentially dangerous interactions with Saint-John’s-worth were present in 28% of the cases they reviewed. The drug interactions can lead to serotonin syndrome, heart disease due to less effective blood pressure medications, or unplanned pregnancies from contraceptive failure.

Melillo emphasizes the importance of consulting with a doctor before taking Saint-John’s-worth for depression, and he stresses that if one is already on this medication, they should not stop it without medical advice. France has even banned the use of Saint-John’s-worth products due to drug interaction concerns.

Mount Sinai notes that Saint-John’s-worth is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the US. It has gained popularity for its perceived fewer side effects compared to prescription antidepressants, and it doesn’t seem to cause loss of sex drive, a common antidepressant side effect. The yellow-flowered plant is also believed to be helpful in treating PMS, menopause symptoms, seasonal affective disorder, and wounds. However, given the potential for serious drug interactions, a conversation with your healthcare provider before use is strongly recommended.

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