St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most extensively studied herbal supplements for mood support, with centuries of traditional use and modern clinical research backing its effectiveness for mild to moderate mood concerns. The active compounds hypericin and hyperforin are believed to work by influencing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Standardized extracts with 0.3% hypericin are considered the clinical benchmark.
Quick Comparison
Product
Dosage
Form
Best For
Rating
Effective Nutra Saffron Gummies (with St. John’s Wort)
Multi-ingredient blend
Gummies
Best Overall Mood Support
4.5/5
Zazzee Extra Strength St. John’s Wort
8,000 mg strength (20:1)
Capsules
Best Potency
4.6/5
St John’s Wort Extract & Whole Herb Complex
500 mg (0.3% Hypericin)
Capsules
Best Full Spectrum
4.4/5
Nature’s Way St. John’s Wort
700 mg per 2-cap serving
Capsules
Best Trusted Brand
4.5/5
NOW Foods St. John’s Wort
300 mg standardized extract
Capsules
Best Value
4.5/5
Toniiq St. John’s Wort
1,000 mg (7:1 extract)
Capsules
Most Potent Extract
4.4/5
Nature’s Bounty St. John’s Wort
300 mg standardized
Capsules
Best Budget
4.4/5
1. Effective Nutra Saffron Gummies (with St. John’s Wort) – Best Overall Mood Support
Effective Nutra Saffron Gummies | Sugar-Free Supplement with Vitamin D2, Passion Flower, St. John’s Wort & GABA | Positive Mood, Digestion, Energy | Natural Berry Flavor, Made in USA (90 Count)
#1 ULTIMATE SAFFRON GUMMY: Not a fan of swallowing large capsules? Our sugar free saffron gummies taste good & go down easy. 90 Gummies in a bottle for the best value out there!*
GET ALL THE BENEFITS: Our saffron supplement is packed with a 5-in-1 blend that may promote positive mood and attitude, digestion, physical fitness, increase in energy and focus, stress relief, heart health and brain function.*
SUPPORTS HEALTHY MOOD: Saffron extract has a long history of traditional use for supporting a healthy mood and promoting emotional balance. A great way to maintain a positive attitude and mood all day long!*
HEALTHY & DELICIOUS: Yes, we did it! At Effective Nutra we want to provide a healthy and enjoyable experience. Our saffron gummies are naturally berry flavored. With no artificial colors or flavors, you can be sure you’re getting the most nourishing health gummies out there!*
EFFECTIVE NUTRA’S SEAL OF EXCELLENCE: QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Our supplements are Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Third Party Tested, GMP Certified and proudly Made in USA with Globally Sourced Ingredients. That’s the Effective Nutra seal of excellence!*
Effective Nutra combines St. John’s Wort with saffron extract, GABA, passionflower, and vitamin D2 in a sugar-free gummy that addresses mood support from multiple angles simultaneously.
Rather than relying on a single ingredient, this formula takes a multi-pathway approach to mood support. Saffron extract has clinical evidence supporting its mood-enhancing properties, while St. John’s Wort provides the traditional hypericin-based support. GABA and passionflower contribute calming effects, and vitamin D2 addresses the well-documented link between vitamin D deficiency and mood changes. The sugar-free, natural berry-flavored gummy format makes daily supplementation enjoyable. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility.
Pros:
Multi-ingredient formula targets mood from multiple pathways
Sugar-free gummy format tastes great
Includes clinically supported saffron extract
Cons:
Individual ingredient doses may be lower than standalone supplements
Contains multiple active ingredients that may interact with medications
Best for: Anyone who wants comprehensive mood support combining St. John’s Wort with complementary ingredients
2. Zazzee Extra Strength St. John’s Wort – Best Potency
Zazzee Extra Strength St. John’s Wort 20:1 Extract, 8000 mg Strength, 0.3% Hypericin, 150 Vegan Capsules, 5 Month Supply, Concentrated, Standardized 20X Extract, 100% Vegetarian, Non-GMO, All-Natural
OUTSTANDING VALUE / 5 MONTH SUPPLY: Our Extra Strength St. John’s Wort Extract contains 8000 mg strength per capsule AND 150 capsules per bottle – an amazing value! A single bottle contains a 5 month supply. Compare this to other leading brands that require 2 capsules per serving, contain less than 150 capsules, and use a much less potent, non-extract powder. Our Extra Strength St. John’s Wort Extract is a bargain not be found elsewhere!
8000 MG STRENGTH / POTENT 20:1 EXTRACT: Each capsule contains 8000 mg strength of St. John’s Wort Extract from a potent, powerful 20:1 extract. Combine that with a minimum of 0.3% Hypericin, and our Extra Strength St. John’s Wort Extract is one of the strongest dosages available!
0.3% HYPERICIN: Hypericin is the “good stuff”, the beneficial compound in St. John’s Wort that provides the desired results. Our St. John’s Wort Extract has been standardized to contain a minimum of 0.3% Hypericin, which is one of the highest standardization numbers available. The higher the numbers, the more potent the extract. Clearly, not all St. John’s Wort is created equal!
NATURAL, VEGAN, & NON-GMO: All ingredients, including the capsule, are 100% vegan. Our Extra Strength St. John’s Wort Extract does not contain any sweeteners, artificial flavors, wheat, corn, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Enjoy the amazing benefits of our potent St. John’s Wort Extract without worrying about what else might be hiding in each capsule!
GOLD STANDARD PRODUCTION: Your health and safety mean everything to us. For that reason, our Extra Strength St. John’s Wort Extract is manufactured in the USA, in a fully certified facility with adherence to good manufacturing policies and under the most stringent quality control. You can rest assured that you get the best value for your money!.
Zazzee delivers one of the most potent St. John’s Wort supplements available with an 8,000 mg strength 20:1 concentrated extract standardized to 0.3% hypericin in 150 vegan capsules — a full 5-month supply.
Each capsule provides 400 mg of a concentrated 20:1 extract, equivalent to 8,000 mg of raw St. John’s Wort herb. The extract is standardized to 0.3% hypericin, the clinical benchmark concentration used in research studies demonstrating St. John’s Wort’s effectiveness. The 150-capsule bottle provides a 5-month supply at one capsule per day, making it one of the best values for a high-potency extract. 100% vegetarian, non-GMO, all-natural, and free from common allergens. Zazzee is known for their commitment to concentrated, high-quality herbal extracts.
Pros:
Powerful 20:1 extract — 8,000 mg equivalent per capsule
150 capsules provides a full 5-month supply
Standardized to clinical 0.3% hypericin concentration
Cons:
High potency may not be suitable for first-time users
One capsule per day — less flexibility in dose adjustment
Best for: Experienced users who want maximum potency and long-term value in a concentrated extract
3. St John’s Wort Extract & Whole Herb Complex – Best Full Spectrum
St John’s Wort Capsules – Powerful & Potent Saint John’s Wort Extract & Whole Herb Complex Standardized to 900mcg Hypericin for Balancing Daily Mood Support – Vegan Non-GMO & Lab Verified (120 Caps)
Turn To St. John’s Wort: For centuries, people have turned to St. John’s Wort (commonly misspelled wart) for all the benefits it can provide. Now we know it contains a natural active chemical called Hypericin – and Healths Harmony’s high-potency formula provides 900mcg of Hypericin in every serving.
Quality And Quantity: We keep servings simple with one capsule per serving and 120 capsules per bottle. There’s no nasty tincture to taste and no gritty pills, just potent extract standardized to 0.3% Hypericin for optimal support.
Manufactured To Immaculate Standards: We manufacture these non-GMO powder capsules in a GMP-certified facility right here in the USA using globally sourced ingredients. Our precision formulation means you can be sure that what’s listed on the bottle is what you actually get – every single time – nothing but pure St. John’s Wort and something to hold the capsule together.
Order Today: Try a full bottle of our St. John’s Wort and see for yourself the difference this natural mood helper can make to your day; click add to cart today!
This unique formula combines standardized St. John’s Wort extract (0.3% hypericin) with whole herb powder to deliver both the primary active compound and the full spectrum of secondary plant compounds for maximum synergistic benefit.
Each capsule contains 300 mg of standardized extract providing 900 mcg of hypericin, plus 200 mg of whole St. John’s Wort flower powder. This dual approach ensures you get the clinically studied hypericin concentration while also receiving hyperforin, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds found in the whole plant. Many herbalists believe the whole-plant approach provides superior benefits compared to isolated extracts. The formula is vegan, non-GMO, lab-verified, and manufactured in a GMP-registered facility. Each bottle contains 120 capsules for a 6-17 week supply depending on dosage.
Pros:
Combines standardized extract with whole herb for full-spectrum benefits
900 mcg hypericin per capsule matches clinical dosages
120 capsules with flexible 1-3 capsules per day dosing
Cons:
Contains bovine gelatin — not suitable for vegetarians
May contain trace allergens from shared manufacturing
Best for: Those who want both the standardized active compound and the full spectrum of whole-plant benefits
4. Nature’s Way St. John’s Wort – Best Trusted Brand
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Nature’s Way has been a trusted name in herbal supplements for over 50 years, and their St. John’s Wort delivers 700 mg per two-capsule serving sourced from the regions where the herb grows best.
Each two-capsule serving provides 700 mg of St. John’s Wort herb sourced from Chile and Europe, where growing conditions produce particularly potent plants. Nature’s Way recommends taking 2 capsules twice daily and using the supplement for at least 2 months for best results, which aligns with clinical study protocols. The formula is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and gluten-free, with no salt, yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, soy, corn, dairy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The 180-capsule bottle provides a 45-day supply at the full recommended dose.
Pros:
Over 50 years of brand heritage in herbal supplements
Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan
Sourced from optimal growing regions for maximum potency
Cons:
Requires 4 capsules per day at full dose
Not a concentrated extract — uses whole herb
Best for: People who prefer a trusted, established brand with a straightforward whole-herb formula
5. NOW Foods St. John’s Wort – Best Value
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NOW Foods delivers a standardized 300 mg St. John’s Wort extract with 0.3% hypericin in a massive 250-capsule bottle, providing exceptional value for long-term supplementation.
Each capsule contains 300 mg of standardized St. John’s Wort extract with 0.3% hypericin — the clinical standard. At a recommended 1 capsule taken 3 times daily (matching the 900 mg/day dose used in most clinical studies), the 250-capsule bottle lasts nearly 3 months. NOW Foods is NPA A-rated GMP certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and free from soy, gluten, dairy, and eggs. Their manufacturing processes are among the most rigorously tested in the industry.
Pros:
250 capsules per bottle — outstanding value
Standardized to clinical 0.3% hypericin
NPA A-rated GMP certification and Non-GMO Project Verified
Cons:
Requires 3 capsules per day for the studied dose
Standard potency — not a concentrated extract
Best for: Value-conscious buyers who want a clinically standardized extract from a trusted manufacturer
6. Toniiq Ultra High Strength St. John’s Wort – Most Potent Extract
Toniiq 1,000mg Ultra High Strength St. John’s Wort Capsules (Non-GMO) – 7X Concentrated Extract – 0.3% Hypericin – Highly Purified and Bioavailable – 120 Capsules
The Highly Active Form of St. John’s Wort – Toniiq St. John’s Wort Capsules contains 1,000mg of the highest quality St. John’s wort powder in each serving– ethically sourced, grown and cultivated using an extraction process to ensure a 7:1 extract ratio.
More Than Just St. John’s Wort – Hypericin is one of the most studied compounds in St. John’s Wort for its beneficial health effects. Each serving of our 1000mg St. John’s Wort provides you with one of the highest concentrations of hypericin on the market, making this one of the most potent St. John’s Wort supplements available.
Setting a New Standard for Purity – To ensure that you are getting the highest-quality product, each batch is tested for quality and purity both during and after manufacturing.
Quality, First, and Foremost – Toniiq products are produced in a GMP-certified, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility right here in the USA.
Each Batch is Individually Tested – We test each batch both ourselves and through a third-party independent laboratory to ensure our ingredients contain the correct standardized level of purity and active ingredients. We also test each batch for any possible additives, contaminants, and impurities to ensure the highest level of quality.
Toniiq’s 1,000 mg formula uses a 7:1 concentrated extract to deliver one of the highest single-capsule doses available, standardized to 0.3% hypericin for clinically relevant potency.
Each capsule contains 1,000 mg of concentrated St. John’s Wort from a 7:1 extraction process, providing one of the highest concentrations of hypericin on the market. The 120-capsule bottle provides a 4-month supply at one capsule per day, making it an excellent value for a high-strength product. Toniiq tests each batch both internally and through third-party independent laboratories to verify purity, potency, and the correct standardized level of active ingredients. Produced in a GMP-certified facility in the USA.
Pros:
1,000 mg per capsule from 7:1 concentrated extract
120 capsules — 4-month supply at one per day
Dual internal and third-party lab testing
Cons:
High potency — may be too strong for newcomers
Only one capsule per day offers less dosing flexibility
Best for: Users who want maximum potency in a single daily capsule with verified quality
7. Nature’s Bounty St. John’s Wort – Best Budget
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Nature’s Bounty delivers a reliable 300 mg standardized extract at one of the lowest prices in the category, backed by nearly 50 years of supplement manufacturing experience.
Each capsule provides 300 mg of St. John’s Wort extract standardized to 0.3% hypericin. Nature’s Bounty recommends 900 mg per day (3 capsules) to match the dosing used in clinical studies showing mood support benefits. The formula is non-GMO, sugar-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners. The 100-capsule bottle provides about 33 days at the full recommended dose. Nature’s Bounty has nearly 50 years of dedication to quality, consistency, and scientific research.
Pros:
One of the most affordable standardized extracts available
Trusted brand with nearly 50 years of history
Clean formula free from common allergens
Cons:
100 capsules only lasts about a month at full dose
Standard potency — not concentrated
Best for: Budget shoppers who want a reliable, standardized St. John’s Wort from a household name brand
8. Gaia Herbs St. John’s Wort – Best Liquid Capsule
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Gaia Herbs uses a liquid phyto-capsule format that delivers a concentrated St. John’s Wort extract in a form designed for enhanced absorption compared to traditional dry capsules.
Each capsule contains a liquid extract of wildcrafted St. John’s Wort flower, formulated using Gaia’s proprietary Liquid Phyto-Cap technology. The liquid format is believed to offer faster and more complete absorption than dry powder capsules. Gaia Herbs is a certified B Corporation known for their commitment to sustainability and transparency — every product features a “Meet Your Herbs” traceability system so you can see exactly where the ingredients come from. The 60-capsule bottle provides a 30-day supply. Made from sustainably wildcrafted St. John’s Wort.
Pros:
Liquid phyto-capsule format for enhanced absorption
Full traceability through Gaia’s “Meet Your Herbs” system
Certified B Corporation with strong sustainability practices
Cons:
Higher price per serving than dry capsule options
Only 60 capsules — monthly repurchase needed
Best for: Consumers who prioritize ingredient transparency, sustainability, and enhanced-absorption formats
How to Choose the Best St. John’s Wort Supplement
The most critical factor is standardization to 0.3% hypericin. This is the concentration used in the majority of clinical studies demonstrating St. John’s Wort’s effectiveness for mood support. Supplements that don’t standardize their hypericin content may deliver inconsistent results. Some products also standardize for hyperforin (typically 2-5%), another active compound that contributes to the herb’s mood-supporting properties. Look for supplements that clearly state their hypericin content on the label.
The clinically studied dose is 300 mg of standardized extract taken three times daily for a total of 900 mg per day. Some concentrated extracts (like 7:1 or 20:1 ratios) deliver equivalent potency in fewer capsules. If convenience matters, a high-potency concentrated extract that requires only one capsule per day may be preferable. Most studies recommend using St. John’s Wort consistently for at least 4-6 weeks before evaluating its effects, with optimal results often seen after 8-12 weeks.
Be aware of potential medication interactions. St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide range of medications by inducing liver enzymes that accelerate drug metabolism. This can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, blood thinners (warfarin), antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), immunosuppressants, HIV medications, and many other drugs. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting St. John’s Wort if you take any prescription medications.
Choose between extract-only and whole herb formulations based on your preference. Standardized extracts provide consistent, clinically relevant doses of active compounds. Whole herb or full-spectrum products include the complete range of plant compounds, which some herbalists believe work synergistically. Combination formulas that include both extract and whole herb offer a middle ground. Liquid capsules and tinctures may offer faster absorption than dry capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. John’s Wort and what does it do?
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a yellow-flowered plant used for centuries in traditional medicine, primarily for mood support. Its active compounds, hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain — neurotransmitters that play key roles in mood regulation. Clinical studies have shown it can be effective for mild to moderate mood concerns, with some research suggesting comparable effectiveness to certain prescription options.
How much St. John’s Wort should I take daily?
The standard clinically studied dose is 300 mg of extract standardized to 0.3% hypericin, taken three times daily for a total of 900 mg per day. Some concentrated extracts allow for a single daily dose that provides equivalent potency. Start with the recommended dose on your product’s label and maintain consistent use for at least 4-6 weeks before evaluating results. Do not exceed 1,800 mg per day without medical guidance.
When is the best time to take St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort is typically taken with meals to reduce the chance of stomach upset. If your dosage is split into three servings, take one with each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Consistency matters more than exact timing. Take it at the same times each day for the most consistent effects. Some people report mild energizing effects, so if it affects your sleep, shift your last dose to the afternoon rather than evening.
Are there any side effects of St. John’s Wort?
Common side effects include increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), dry mouth, dizziness, digestive discomfort, fatigue, and headaches. Photosensitivity is the most well-documented side effect — use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds while taking this supplement. More serious concerns relate to drug interactions, as St. John’s Wort can significantly alter how the body processes many medications.
Can I take St. John’s Wort with antidepressants?
No. Combining St. John’s Wort with prescription antidepressants, particularly SSRIs or MAOIs, can cause serotonin syndrome — a potentially dangerous condition caused by excess serotonin. Never combine St. John’s Wort with antidepressants without explicit medical supervision. If you want to transition from a prescription antidepressant to St. John’s Wort, do so only under the direct guidance of your healthcare provider.
How long does it take for St. John’s Wort to work?
Most clinical studies show that noticeable effects begin within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use, with full benefits typically seen after 6-8 weeks. Some people report subtle improvements within the first week, but significant changes require sustained use. If you haven’t noticed any benefit after 8-12 weeks of consistent use at the recommended dose, the supplement may not be effective for your specific situation. Do not increase the dose beyond recommendations without consulting a healthcare provider.