GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
St. John’s Wort has long been used to treat
anxiety, depression, insomnia, diarrhea, stomach irritation, fluid retention, bladder ailments, kidney and lung disorders, and even cancer. Today the
herb is used to alleviate menstrual cramps, as a potential
tool in fighting viral infections, and as an antidepressant.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Well-controlled studies show that St. John’s
Wort alleviates symptoms of depression. Studies show that St. John’s Wort is much more
effective than a placebo and provokes response rates that
are similar to or even slightly better than conventional
antidepressants such as Prozac. Research has also
determined that St. John’s Wort is better tolerated
than conventional antidepressants. In June 2000, German researchers announced results of a
study demonstrating the value of St. John’s Wort in fighting
bacteria. Researchers from the University of Freilburg
found that low concentrations of hyperforin, one of the active ingredients in St. John’s Wort,
inhibited the growth of several types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus
and Corynebacterium diphtheria. Particularly noteworthy is the ability of hyperforin to inhibit a
bacterium (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) that is
resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics. Researchers
are currently investigating the use of hypericin, another
active constituent of the herb, to fight retroviruses
such as the AIDS virus HIV.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
St. John’s Wort is usually sold dried and in
concentrated drops, tinctures and extracts. Its antidepressant effects may not be apparent until
it is taken daily for three to four weeks. An average dose
of a standardized extract containing 0.3% hypericin is 200
to 300mg.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
The most common side effects from taking St. John’s Wort are mild nausea, stomach ache, lack
of appetite and tiredness, although these are not common. A
very small percentage of people taking high daily doses
of St. John’s Wort may experience increased sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid during pregnancy. Excessive doses may potentiate existing MAO inhibitor
therapy, and may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive
individuals. St John’s wort should not be used at the same
time as prescription antidepressants. Recent reports suggest that St John’s Wort may increase the
risk of organ transplant rejection by reducing the
effectiveness of the antirejection drug cyclosporine.
Therefore people waiting for organ transplants should
not take St Jonh’s Wort.
