Which herb may cause adverse reactions when taken with antidepressants?

St. John's wort is known for its potential to cause adverse interactions when taken with various antidepressants. This herb is often utilized as a natural treatment for depression; however, it can influence the metabolism of certain medications due to its effect on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. Specifically, St. John's wort can induce the metabolism of various drugs, leading to reduced efficacy of antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications that rely on this metabolic pathway. This can result in treatment failures or increased side effects when combined with conventional antidepressant therapy.

In contrast, while ginseng, feverfew, and eucalyptus have been associated with various effects and interactions, they are generally not recognized as causing significant adverse reactions with antidepressants in the same manner as St. John's wort. Understanding the implications of combining herbal supplements with prescription medications is critical, as it can directly impact the effectiveness of the treatment and the patient's overall well-being.