It depends on your goals......5HTP will specifically raise serotonin levels which is fine if all you want is to reduce carb cravings. St John's wort raises ALL major neurotransmitter levels and is as good an anti depressant as SSRIs but not as good at controlling carb cravings. So if you're depressed, go with the St. John's wort, otherwise the 5HTP is the way to go.