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According to new research, the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort is as effective in treating both moderate and severe depression as one of the most popular prescription antidepressants, Paxil.

Published in the online edition of the British Medical Journal, the study is among the first to compare the supplement with a prescription antidepressant. In the past, some studies have shown St. John’s Wort might be useful in treating mild to moderate degrees of depression, but previous studies did not show the supplement useful in the treatment of major depression.

The study, which was funded by the German company that markets St. John’s Wort, examined 251 patients suffering from major depression. Half the patients were given 900 milligrams of St. John’s Wort and half 20 milligrams of Paxil. Patients not responding to their treatment were given increased dosages, and the patients and physicians were both unaware of what treatment was being given.

At the end of six weeks, 71 percent of the patients taking St. John’s Wort and 60 percent of the patients taking Paxil had responded to treatment. Half of the St. John’s Wort treated patients and 35 percent of the Paxil treated patients were free of depression symptoms.

In one of the most rigorous trials on St. John’s Wort, the herbal supplement was no more effective in treating major depression than a placebo, but the same was true for prescription antidepressant Zoloft. Millions of people take St. John’s Wort to treat depression and related disorders. Since St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of some over the counter medications, patients should first consult with a doctor before taking the supplement.