Abstract
There is an association between smoking and depression, yet the herbal antidepressant
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.; SJW) herb extract has not previously been investigated as an aid in smoking cessation.
In this open, uncontrolled, pilot study, 28 smokers of 10 or more cigarettes per day
for at least one year were randomised to receive SJW herb extract (LI-160) 300 mg
once or twice daily taken for one week before and continued for 3 months after a target
quit date. In addition, all participants received motivational/behavioural support
from a trained pharmacist. At 3 months, the point prevalence and continuous abstinence
rates were both 18 %, and at 12 months were 0 %. Fifteen participants (54 %) reported
23 adverse events up to the end of the 3-month follow-up period. There was no statistically
significant difference in the frequency of adverse events for participants taking
SJW once or twice daily (p > 0.05). Most adverse events were mild, transient and non-serious.
This preliminary study has not provided convincing evidence that a SJW herb extract
plus individual motivational/behavioural support is likely to be effective as an aid
in smoking cessation. However, it may be premature to rule out a possible effect on
the basis of a single, uncontrolled pilot study, and other approaches involving SJW
extract may warrant investigation.
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j.barnes@ auckland.ac.nz
