St. John’s Wort is a perennial plant that grows in many parts of the world including northern California, southern Oregon and Colorado. Wort” is an old English word for an herb or plant. Its scientific name is Hypericum perforatum. It was believed to bloom on the birth day of St. John the Baptist, June 24th, which is where it acquired its name.
St. John’s Wort is one of the most popular herbs in North America and Europe and is best known for its use as a mild antidepressant. However, it has traditionally been used as a topical treatment for bruises and burns and has a long history of use as an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory.
St. John’s Wort has also been used in assisting with insomnia, neurosis, neuralgia, tinnitus and rheumatic pain, as well as aiding in wound healing. St. John’s Wort is currently being studied for its possible affects on other mood disorders such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In Germany, St. John’s Wort herbal supplements are among the leading medicines used to relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Studies show that people taking St. John’s Wort report an improvement in mood and ability to function in daily activities.
The major active ingredients in St. John’s Wort include hypericin and hyperforin. For many years researchers believed that hypericin was the main antidepressant property. More recent research suggests that St. John’s Wort antidepressant actions may be a result of hyperforin (a neurotransmitter) and flavonoids. St. John’s Wort may work as an antidepressant, by making more hyperforin available to the brain.
In animal studies, hypericin has been shown active against several viruses including cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, and herpes. The herb seems to work against viruses by oxidation and its antiviral effect is stronger when exposed to light.
St. John’s Wort has been studied extensively in Europe for more than twenty years, with more recent research conducted in the United States. Results thus far suggest that St. John’s Wort is more effective than a placebo (sugar pill), and just as effective as tricyclic antidepressants. Comparative studies to the more commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are limited. However, scientific data collected to date suggests that St. John’s Wort may be just as effective as SSRIs with fewer side effects.
The only known side effect of St. John’s Wort is skin rash and sensitivity to light, however other side effects have been reported. Some people find that St. John’s Wort is not only relaxing, but sedating. Therefore, it is advised that for those so affected, St. John’s Wort should be taken at bedtime and not during the day.
Large dosages of St. John’s Wort may induce photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) in certain people. Very large doses may interfere with the absorption of iron and some minerals. It has also been reported to interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medication in some women. St. John’s Wort has sometimes been used to increase women’s menstrual flow. It may have a negative effect on fertility for both men and women. Pregnant women should not use it.
There are very few studies of interactions between St. John’s Wort and medications or other herbs. There have been negative reactions reported in people who combine St. John’s Wort with other antidepressant medications. Do not use St. John’s Wort with other antidepressants.
Studies suggest that St. John’s Wort stimulates a drug-metabolizing enzyme that metabolizes at least 50 percent of the prescription drugs on the market. Therefore, it’s quite possible that St. John’s Wort could possibly interfere with a number of medications. You should always consult with a qualified medical professional before supplementing with St. John’s Wort.
Reference:
- St. John’s Wort and DepressionHolistic OnlineAbout.com – St. John’s Wort Research
