St. John's Wort in Neuro Sharp: Mood Benefits and Serious Drug Interactions
St. John's Wort is the ingredient in Neuro Sharp that most needs your attention before you buy. It has real evidence for mild-to-moderate depression — and some of the most significant drug interactions of any herbal supplement. Here's what you need to know.*
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Important
According to the NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, St. John's Wort can interact in dangerous, sometimes life-threatening ways with a variety of medicines. If you take any prescription medicine — especially antidepressants, birth control pills or blood thinners — talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Neuro Sharp.
| Botanical name | Hypericum perforatum |
|---|---|
| Type | Flowering plant |
| Active compounds | Hyperforin and hypericin |
| Role in Neuro Sharp | Mood balance* |
| Amount in studies | Commonly 900 mg/day of extract (300 mg three times daily) in depression trials |
| Evidence | Good for mild–moderate depression; not studied for memory |
| Main caution | Many serious drug interactions |
What Is St. John's Wort?
St. John's Wort is a yellow-flowered plant that has been used for centuries for mood and nerve complaints. Today it is one of the most-studied herbal supplements for depression, and in some European countries it is used under medical supervision for that purpose.
What the Research Says
NCCIH summarizes the evidence this way: St. John's Wort appears to be more effective than a placebo, and as effective as standard antidepressant medicines, for mild or moderate depression. It is uncertain whether that's true for severe depression or for periods longer than 12 weeks.
St. John's Wort has not been studied as a memory enhancer. In Neuro Sharp it is included for mood balance, on the reasoning that low mood and stress interfere with focus and recall.* If you think you may be depressed, please speak to a doctor rather than treating yourself with a supplement.
Drug Interactions: Why This Ingredient Matters
St. John's Wort speeds up enzymes in the liver and gut that break down many medicines, which can make those medicines less effective. It can also add to the effects of drugs that act on serotonin. NCCIH lists interactions with:
| Medicine type | Examples named by NCCIH |
|---|---|
| Antidepressants | Amitriptyline, bupropion; also other serotonin-affecting drugs |
| Birth control pills | Hormonal contraceptives may become less effective |
| Blood thinner | Warfarin |
| Transplant anti-rejection | Cyclosporine |
| Anti-seizure | Phenytoin, carbamazepine |
| Heart medicines | Digoxin, ivabradine |
| HIV medicines | Indinavir, nevirapine |
| Cancer medicines | Irinotecan, imatinib, docetaxel |
| Statins | Simvastatin |
This list is not complete. Combining St. John's Wort with antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting drugs may lead to increased serotonin-related side effects, which NCCIH describes as potentially serious. Never stop a prescribed medicine to take Neuro Sharp instead.
Side Effects
For most adults who aren't taking other medicines, NCCIH says St. John's Wort appears to be safe for up to 12 weeks. Possible side effects include:
- severe skin reactions after sun exposure, mainly with large doses;
- diarrhea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, restlessness and skin tingling.
Who Should Avoid It
- Anyone taking the medicines above, unless their doctor approves.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding — NCCIH says it may be unsafe in pregnancy, and breastfed infants may experience colic, drowsiness or lethargy.
- People with bipolar disorder, as mood-affecting herbs may trigger mania.
- Anyone with planned surgery requiring anesthesia — tell your care team.
How Much Is Used in Studies?
Depression trials commonly used about 900 mg a day of standardized extract, split into three doses.
St. John's Wort's Role in Neuro Sharp
Together with Rhodiola Rosea, St. John's Wort forms Neuro Sharp's stress and mood pathway. It is also the ingredient that rules Neuro Sharp out for a large group of people. If you take any of the medicines above, a formula without St. John's Wort — or a single-ingredient product such as Bacopa — may be a better fit; see Neuro Sharp vs other nootropics.
Bottom Line
St. John's Wort has genuine evidence for mild-to-moderate depression but none for memory, and its interactions are serious. Check every medicine you take with a pharmacist before using Neuro Sharp.*
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is St. John's Wort in Neuro Sharp?
It's included for mood balance, since low mood and stress can interfere with focus. It hasn't been studied for memory.
Can I take Neuro Sharp with antidepressants?
Not without your doctor's approval. St. John's Wort can interact with antidepressants and increase serotonin-related side effects.
Does St. John's Wort affect birth control?
Yes. It can make birth control pills less effective. Speak to your doctor about backup contraception.
Does St. John's Wort cause sun sensitivity?
Large doses can cause severe skin reactions after sun exposure.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neuro Sharp is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. This page is for information only and is not medical advice.