The AHP announces the publication of its first monograph on St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Published by the American Botanical Council and distributed as a special insert in HerbalGram No. 40, this monograph represents 18 months of work by the AHP staff, its authors, and reviewers. Reviewers include medicinal plant experts from around the world. This monograph is the most comprehensive and accurate review of St. John's wort in English. Copies of the monograph are available directly from the AHP or American Botanical Council with a check or money order for $4.95 U.S. to the address below.

A great amount of consumer interest was stimulated regarding the herb as a result of an ABC-TV 20/20 special which focused on the widespread use of St. John's wort in Europe for the treatment of depression and on studies which concluded that St. John's wort is as effective as standard antidepressant medications for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, with almost no adverse side effects.

AHP has begun the development of monographs for the botanicals Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L., Ginkgoaceae). The process of collecting and translating has begun.

Article copyright American Botanical Council.