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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
St. John's Wort vs Vitamin B6: they're closely matched on evidence (7.8 vs 7/10); they're alternatives for support mood — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
St. John's Wort and Vitamin B6 are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
12 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both St. John's Wort and Vitamin B6 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)
25-100mg daily
Morning with food, Can take with other B vitamins
P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 cycles
Months of high doses
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.
Dosage exploration of combined B-vitamin supplementation in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis and systematic review
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2024) · Meta analysis · n=76664
In areas without and with partial folic acid fortification, combined B-vitamin supplementation significantly reduced the risk of stroke by 34% [RR: 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.86] and 11% (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.00), respectively.
Vitamin and mineral supplementation for maintaining cognitive function in cognitively healthy people in mid and late life
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Meta analysis · n=83000
We found that giving B vitamin supplements to cognitively healthy adults, mainly in their 60s and 70s, probably has little or no effect on global cognitive function at any time point up to 5 years (SMD values from -0.03 to 0.06) and may also have no effect at 5-10 years (SMD -0.01).
Drug Efficacy in the Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
JAMA network open (2024) · Meta analysis · n=492
No association between effect sizes and psychotic severity was found.
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 systematic review of nutritional interventions for PMS psychological symptoms. Evidence quality limited by study heterogeneity and need for more consistent protocols.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both St. John's Wort and Vitamin B6 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 75).
No known interactions between St. John's Wort and Vitamin B6 have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.