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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
St. John's Wort wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
220-1500mg standardized extract daily (often 1100mg in GAD trials), or 1-4 cups of tea
evening
Standardized extract (1.2% apigenin)
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
2-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
Acute-2 weeks
Acute
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials.
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019) · Meta analysis
Reduced anxiety symptoms versus control
Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Complementary therapies in medicine (2024) · Meta analysis
Improved subjective sleep quality
Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Pharmacological research (2022) · Meta analysis
Chamomile was not significantly different from placebo for anxiety (MD 0.54, 95% CrI -5.13 to 6.25)
St John's wort for major depression
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2008) · Meta analysis · n=5489
As effective as standard antidepressants for mild-moderate depression
Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Neuropsychopharmacology reports (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1049
A meta-analysis found no significant difference in response rates between the two treatments (risk ratio [RR] = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.78-1.18) or dropout rates (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.62-1.88).
Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plant Extracts on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis
John's Wort extract (SUCRA 71.2%) was the most effective in reducing NIHSS scores, Berberine (SUCRA 84.1%) was most effective in reducing mRS scores, and St.
Based on multiple meta-analyses (n>5000) showing efficacy comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate depression. Effect plateau around 900-1200mg. Not effective for severe depression. Requires standardized extract (0.3% hypericin).
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
St. John's Wort has a higher evidence score (7.8/10 vs 5.2/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support mood, St. John's Wort has a higher relevance score (92 vs 50).
No known interactions between Chamomile and St. John's Wort have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.