UPC: 733739047618
# N4761

NOW® Foods St. John's Wort 300 mg — 250 Veg Capsules

Standardized Herbal Extract (min. 0.3% Hypericin) for Positive Mood Balance & Daily Emotional Well-Being

Item SKU: N4761 | UPC: 733739047618 | Brand:NOW Foods

Botanical Mood Support Grounded in Clinical Tradition

For more than two millennia, European herbalists have turned to the flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) to promote mental calm, emotional equilibrium, and nervous system health. NOW® Foods St. John's Wort 300 mg Veg Capsules deliver a premium, standardized botanical extract formulated to support positive mood balance, healthy neurotransmitter regulation, and resilience against daily situational stress. Unlike raw, unstandardized herb powders whose active potency fluctuates from batch to batch, each single capsule provides 300 mg of St. John's Wort extract standardized to contain a minimum of 0.3% Hypericin (yielding at least 0.9 mg of active hypericin per capsule). Standardizing this critical marker compound ensures reproducible botanical efficacy and reliable therapeutic consistency in every serving.

Key Benefits of NOW® Standardized St. John's Wort

  • Supports Positive Mood & Emotional Resilience: Modulates vital neurotransmitter systems—including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—to help sustain an optimistic outlook and balanced emotional tone.
  • Standardized Potency (0.3% Hypericin): Guaranteed level of bioactive phytochemicals, ensuring consistent potency across all 250 vegetarian capsules.
  • Helps Moderate Everyday Stress: Aids the central nervous system in adapting to temporary mental fatigue, occasional nervous tension, and daily emotional pressures.
  • Non-GMO & 100% Vegetarian Formula: Encapsulated in clean hypromellose vegetable capsules; free of animal by-products, artificial colors, and major allergens.
  • Sustainable Packaging: Packaged in an eco-conscious bottle manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin.

How St. John's Wort Operates in the Body

Modern pharmacological research suggests that the active constituents of Hypericum perforatum—principally hypericin, pseudohypericin, and hyperforin—exert a harmonizing effect on central nervous system chemistry. Rather than abruptly elevating a single transmitter, standardized St. John's Wort extract gently inhibits the synaptic reuptake of key monoamines:
  • Serotonin: Helps maintain emotional stability, satiety, and positive mood regulation.
  • Norepinephrine: Supports mental alertness, sustained energy, and cognitive focus.
  • Dopamine: Promotes natural drive, reward signaling, and executive mental function.
  • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Fosters relaxation and neurochemical balance during periods of elevated tension.
Because these botanical constituents work gradually within neural pathways, clinical studies suggest optimal benefits emerge following 2 to 4 weeks of consistent, uninterrupted supplementation.

Suggested Use & Recommended Dosage

Adult Usage: Take 1 veg capsule 3 times daily, preferably with food to maximize absorption and reduce the likelihood of mild gastrointestinal upset, or use as specifically directed by your qualified healthcare provider. Storage Guidelines: Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place after opening. Protect from direct moisture, extreme heat, and sunlight.

Important Safety, Contraindications & Drug Interaction Warnings

Please read before purchasing: St. John's Wort is a pharmacologically potent herb with well-documented metabolic interactions.
  • Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Induction: St. John's Wort induces liver enzymes (primarily CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2) as well as intestinal P-glycoprotein (P-gp). This action accelerates the clearance of numerous prescription medications, significantly reducing their therapeutic blood concentrations.
  • Do Not Combine with Antidepressants: Avoid concurrent use with SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram), SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tricyclics, or triptans. Combining St. John's Wort with serotonergic medications can trigger Serotonin Syndrome, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
  • Oral Contraceptive Interaction: St. John's Wort significantly reduces the systemic efficacy of birth control pills, which may lead to breakthrough bleeding and unintended pregnancy. Additional barrier contraception is required.
  • Other Critical Medication Interactions: Do not use without physician approval if you are taking immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), anticoagulants (warfarin), heart medications (digoxin), chemotherapeutic agents, or HIV antiretrovirals (indinavir, nevirapine).
  • Photosensitivity Caution: High doses or prolonged use can increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV light. Limit exposure to strong sunlight and tanning beds while taking this supplement.
  • Pregnancy & Nursing: Not for use by pregnant or lactating women. Keep out of reach of children.

Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredients

Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule Servings Per Container: 250
Amount Per Serving Amount % Daily Value
St. John's Wort Extract (Hypericum perforatum) (Herb) (Standardized to min. 0.3% Hypericin) 300 mg *
* Daily Value (DV) not established.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Stearic Acid (vegetable source), and Silicon Dioxide. Allergen Free & Clean Manufacturing Statement: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens. Quality Assurance: Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan / Vegetarian, Kosher Certified, Halal, UL Certified GMP. Family owned and operated since 1968.

Frequently Asked Questions About NOW St. John's Wort 300 mg

What does standardized 0.3% hypericin mean in St. John's Wort?

Standardization ensures that each capsule contains a guaranteed, measurable concentration of the plant's marker compound. A 300 mg extract standardized to min. 0.3% hypericin delivers precisely 0.9 mg of active hypericin per capsule, eliminating the natural potency variations common in raw herb powders.

How long does it take for NOW St. John's Wort 300 mg to work?

While mild calming effects may be noticed earlier, the cumulative benefits for steady mood support and emotional balance typically take 2 to 4 weeks of consistent, daily administration at the recommended dosage.

Can I take St. John's Wort with prescription antidepressants or birth control?

No. St. John's Wort should never be combined with prescription antidepressants (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs) due to the risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Additionally, it accelerates the liver clearance of oral contraceptives, significantly reducing their effectiveness. Always consult your prescribing physician before using St. John's Wort.

Does St. John's Wort cause photosensitivity or sun sensitivity?

Yes, hypericin can cause photosensitizing reactions (exaggerated sunburn, skin redness, or eye irritation) when users are exposed to strong sunlight or UV tanning beds. If you take St. John's Wort, use broad-spectrum sun protection, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged ultraviolet exposure.

What is the recommended daily dosage for NOW St. John's Wort 300 mg?

The standard manufacturer dosage is 1 vegetarian capsule taken 3 times daily (totaling 900 mg per day), preferably with meals. Do not exceed 3 capsules daily unless explicitly advised and supervised by a qualified physician.

Is this product vegetarian and free from common food allergens?

Yes. NOW® Foods St. John's Wort 300 mg is encapsulated in plant-derived hypromellose (vegetarian cellulose) and is 100% vegan. It is formulated without wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, or sesame.
Helpful Customer Reviews
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Review of ST. JOHN'S WORT 300mg 250 CAPS - NOW Product N4761
Reviewed by Alicante
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Rating: 5/5

NOW St. John's Wort is a proven, safe, herbal treatment for depression and mood disorders. It is also helpful for symptoms of menopause, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and seasonal affectedness disorder (SAD). I personally use it to lower my stress level and help me sleep. It is a wonder!

Alicante Vancouver, BC Canada



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