SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) vs St. John's Wort
Evidence-based comparison from our database of 3,862 ingredients
TL;DR
SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) is typically chosen for methylation support, while St. John's Wort is used for mood that holds through the week. Neither outranks the other. The right pick depends on the goal, and the two are not interchangeable.
SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine)
Methyl donor master. Depression fighter with joint benefits.
Commonly used for:
St. John's Wort
May help improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
Commonly used for:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) | St. John's Wort |
|---|---|---|
| Research depth | Extensively studied | Well studied |
| Effective Dose | 400-1600mg daily | 300-900 mg of extract daily, standardized to 0.3% hypericin |
| Time to Effect | Depression improvements in 2-4 weeks | It may take several weeks of consistent use to notice any effects |
| Commonly used for | Methylation support, Mood that holds through the week | Mood that holds through the week, Everyday stress |
Which fits which goal
These two do different jobs, so the comparison ends at the goal, not at a ranking. Match the ingredient to what you are trying to change and check the dose against the amount on the label.
Reach for SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) when:
- • The goal is methylation support
- • The goal is mood that holds through the week
Reach for St. John's Wort when:
- • The goal is mood that holds through the week
- • The goal is everyday stress
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Browse the libraryThis comparison is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.