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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
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 6 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
10-30mg daily in divided doses
With food (improves absorption), Divided into 2-3 doses, Morning and early afternoon
Vinpocetine capsules or tablets
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
First few days
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.
Efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on dementia and cognitive function: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2023) · Meta analysis
Of these, 65% were rated critically low using AMSTAR2.
Neuroprotective Phytochemicals in Experimental Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2021) · Systematic review
Among them, scutellarin, pinocembrin, puerarin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, salvianolic acids, rosmarinic acid, borneol, bilobalide, ginkgolides, ginsenoside Rd, and vinpocetine show great potential in clinical ischemic stroke treatment.
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).
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 stroke recovery and dementia studies. CAVIN trial (n=469) showed significant cognitive improvements. Meta-analysis found modest effect size (0.439 SMD). Limited data in healthy populations. Most evidence from clinical populations with cerebrovascular issues.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
St. John's Wort has a higher evidence score (7.8/10 vs 5.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between St. John's Wort and Vinpocetine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.