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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
MCT Oil and St. John's Wort are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
2 of 2 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
1-3 tablespoons (15-45ml) daily
Morning for sustained energy, Before workouts for performance, With coffee (bulletproof style)
C8 (Caprylic Acid) MCT Oil
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
Acute
Acute with excess
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
Clinical Benefits of Exogenous Ketosis in Adults with Disease: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2025) · Systematic review
Exogenous ketosis shows potential in neurological, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders, while evidence in psychiatric and inflammatory conditions remains scarce and preliminary.
AMPA Receptor Modulation Through Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Decanoic Acid Supports Nutritional Intervention in Pediatric Epilepsy
Nutrients (2025) · Systematic review
Methods: A systematic review was conducted, including articles from January 2000 to January 2025, to explore the potential role of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) add-on to classic KD and as MCT supplementation in free diets in the management of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE).
Influence of Carbohydrate Intake on Caprylic Acid (C8:0)-Induced Ketogenesis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
Forest plot analysis showed heterogeneous data.
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 meta-analysis of 291 participants showing MCT decreases energy intake. Effect magnitude limited by small study sizes and heterogeneous methodology. GI tolerance varies significantly between individuals.
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.
Both MCT Oil and St. John's Wort are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
No known interactions between MCT Oil and St. John's Wort have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.