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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Piracetam and St. John's Wort are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
4 of 5 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Piracetam and St. John's Wort have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
1200-4800mg daily in divided doses
Divided into 2-3 doses, Morning and early afternoon, With a choline source
Piracetam powder or capsules
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
Ongoing
First few days
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
The treatment of cognitive dysfunction in dementia: a multiple treatments meta-analysis
Psychopharmacology (2018) · Meta analysis · n=44854
The pooled standardized mean difference of the treatment effects on cognitive dysfunction was 0.439 (95% confidence interval 0.374, 0.504).
Piracetam for reducing the incidence of painful sickle cell disease crises
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016) · Meta analysis · n=169
Although there was no significant difference between the piracetam and placebo periods for the number of days of hospitalisation (P = 0.87) in one trial, inconsistencies in the criteria necessary for hospitalisation during sickle crises did not permit accurate conclusions to be drawn.
Treatment Efficacy of Pharmacotherapies for Frontotemporal Dementia: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (2023) · Meta analysis · n=243
Compared with placebo, high-dose oxytocin (72 international units) was associated with the greatest improvement in patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = -1.17, 95% CIs = -2.25 to -0.08, z = -2.10, p = 0.035).
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 1002 stroke patients, but showed non-significant increase in death at one month. Evidence is limited and mixed. Conservative effectiveness estimates due to safety concerns.
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 Piracetam and St. John's Wort are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
No known interactions between Piracetam and St. John's Wort have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.