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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
St. John's Wort and Thiamine are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
6 of 11 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both St. John's Wort and Thiamine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
50-100mg daily; 150-600mg benfotiamine for neuropathy
With food, Morning with other B vitamins
Benfotiamine (fat-soluble, higher bioavailability)
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
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.
Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2016) · Meta analysis · n=3101
Supplements versus other supplementsThere was no evidence of a difference in effectiveness between ginger and zinc sulphate (MD 0.02 points, 95% CI -0.58 to 0.62; one RCT, 101 women).
Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Addition of a Combination of Pyrimidine Nucleotides and Vitamin B1 and B12 to Standard Treatment in the Management of Painful Radiculopathy and in the Quality of Life of Patients
Nutrients (2024) · Rct · n=122
Both groups showed pain improvement, but the VAS reduction (control: 24.58 vs. experimental: 31.35) was not statistically significant.
Efficacy of B-vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Nutritional neuroscience (2023) · Systematic review · n=2256
Systematic review examining Thiamine efficacy
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).
Based on limited RCT evidence showing VAS pain reduction with B-vitamin combinations. Effect magnitude conservative due to mixed statistical significance. Higher bioavailability forms like benfotiamine likely more effective than standard thiamine HCl.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both St. John's Wort and Thiamine are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For support mood, St. John's Wort has a higher relevance score (92 vs 48).
No known interactions between St. John's Wort and Thiamine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.