Descripton

Hypericum perforatum is a shrubby plant with clusters of yellow flowers that have oval, elongate petals. The plant gets its name because it is often in full bloom around June 24, the day traditionally celebrated as the birthday of John the Baptist. Both the flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), once thought to rid the body of evil spirits, has a history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Greece, where it was used to treat a range of illnesses, including various 'nervous conditions. Hypericum perforatum  also has antibacterial and antiviral properties and, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, has been used to help heal wounds and burns.

In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Hypericum perforatum as a treatment for depression and there has been a great deal of scientific research on this topic. Hypericum perforatum is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in Europe and North America in the recent 5 years.

Function:

Depression

Earnest recent researches began in the early 1980s, when attention given to Hypericum focused primarily on its use in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Anxiety, apathy, depression, insomnia, hypersomnia (excessive sleep), tension, irritability, feelings of worthlessness and menopausal neurosis may all be alleviated by Hypericum extract. Hypericum may increase levels of certain nerve impulse transmitters in the brain. These transmitters are responsible for maintaining emotional stability and mood. Other mechanisms, including the effect on the release of melatonin (the sleep regulating hormone) and interaction with light, have also been mentioned as possible influences on Hypericum's mode of action. A remarkable advantage is that Hypericum has none of the side-effects commonly associated with antidepressant drugs. Compared with tricyclic anti-depressants (medication frequently prescribed for this condition) such as imipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin, Hypericum perforatum is equally effective, and has fewer side effects. This also appears to be true for another well known class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) including fluoxetine and sertraline.

Alcoholism

In animal studies, Hypericum perforatum substantially reduced the craving for and intake of alcohol. It is hypothesized that alcohol abuse may be a form of self-medication and that, by relieving depressive symptoms, Hypericum perforatum may reduce the perceived need for alcohol.

Bacterial infections

In laboratory studies, Hypericum perforatum has demonstrated the ability to fight certain infections, including some bacteria that are resistant to the effects of antibiotics. More researches are needed in this area to understand if these test tube findings will prove useful for people.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

An early study suggests that Hypericum perforatum may be useful in relieving both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS including cramps, irritability, and food cravings.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Hypericum perforatum can improve mood in those suffering from SAD (a form of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight). This condition is often treated with photo (light) therapy. Effects may prove to be even greater when the herb is used in combination with light therapy.

Caution:

Since Hypericum perforatum interacts with a wide variety of medications, it is important to take it only under the guidance of a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about herbal medicines.

Safety:

St. John's Wort has a good safety record over centuries of folk medicine. In contrast to synthetic antidepressants, there have been no reports of Hypericum-related deaths. Drug monitoring studies on over 7000 patients and twenty-seven double-blind research studies confirm its safety. The extensive use of Hypericum by millions of people has not resulted in reports of serious side effects.

Dosage:

Dry herb (in capsules or tablets): The usual dose for mild depression and mood disorders is 300 to 500 mg (standardized to 0.3% hypericin extract), three times per day, with meals.

Liquid extract (4:1): 40 to 60 drops, two times per day.

References:

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3、Beaubrun G, Gray GE. A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders. Psychiatr Serv. 2000;51(9):1130-1134.

Biffignandi PM, Bilia AR. The growing knowledge of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L) drug interactions and their clinical significance. Curr Ther Res. 2000;61(70):389-394.

4、Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:359-366.

5、Breidenbach T, Hoffmann MW, Becker T, Schlitt H, Klempnauer J. Drug interaction with St. John's wort with cyclosporin. Lancet. 1000;355:576-577.