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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
St. John's Wort vs Vitex: St. John's Wort has the stronger overall 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 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
12 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both St. John's Wort and Vitex 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)
20-40mg extract (standardized to 0.5% agnuside)
Morning, Consistently at same time daily
Standardized extract (0.5% agnuside or 0.6% aucubin)
and 21 more not shown
and 1 more not shown
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
1-3 cycles
2-3 cycles
1-2 cycles
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.
Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019) · Meta analysis · n=1878
Vitex significantly reduced overall PMS symptom scores vs placebo
Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
Overall, 45% of studies reported positive findings with fewer adverse effects compared with conventional medications.
A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016) · Meta analysis
A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications.
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 meta-analysis of RCTs showing large effect size. Most effective for irritability, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Standardized extracts (Ze 440, BNO 1095) had strongest evidence. High heterogeneity noted between studies.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
St. John's Wort has a higher evidence score (7.8/10 vs 7/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support mood, St. John's Wort has a higher relevance score (92 vs 90).
No known interactions between St. John's Wort and Vitex 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.