After six weeks, symptoms of depression decreased 57% in the group taking hyperforin-rich Hypericum and only 45% in the group taking
paroxetine. Patients taking Hypericum were 42% less likely than patients taking
paroxetine to experience negative side effects. The researchers concluded that, "In the treatment of moderate to severe major depression, Hypericum extract... is at least as effective as paroxetine and is better tolerated.