Saint John’s Wort
Saint John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb that is covered with transparent oil glands that look like little holes in the plant. Both the leaves and flowers are used in herbal medicine. There are two major psychoactive constituents in St. John’s Wort and they are Hypericin and Hyperforin. Although most St. John’s Wort products are standardized on their Hypericin content, it now appears that the Hyperforin component of the herb possesses more of the desired psychoactive properties for which the herb is taken.
In herbal medicine St. John’s Wort benefits are primarily as an Antidepressant. In a clinical study it has been shown that St. Johns Wort is equal to or superior to Imipramine for treating Depression. Secondary uses for St. John’s Wort include Detoxification, as an Antiviral and for Cancer support.
Those of us involved in Holistic Health have been aware of St. John’s Wort’s virtues for some time. However, the allopathic medical community is just starting to take note of some of the maladies that can be treated with this herb such as: Emotional and Behavioral problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Premenstrual Syndrome and even Psoriasis. The main area of interest, however, still lies in its ability to affect Depression. From The National Library of Medicine: “St John’s Wort is a xenobiotic or a plant-derived compound composed of five various forms of hypericin and other flavonoids. Many mechanisms of action have been proposed. One of the main mechanisms used in health care is the report that St. John’s Wort acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This works to reduce the uptake of serotonin at neuronal synapses, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine. Elevated levels of neurotransmitters are believed to be helpful when treating depression. … Another mechanism that leads to antidepressant activity is the capability of binding to GABA receptors to decrease the binding of GABA, which results in lowered CNS depression. Although St. John’s Wort is not yet FDA approved, it is worth noting that some of its proposed mechanisms are in FDA-approved drugs used for the same variety of health complications.”
The Health Benefits of St. John’s Wort:
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May prevent some types of Cancer due to its ability to suppress the ability of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Protein Tyrosine Kinase (PTK) to initiate Cancer. The following Cancers may be prevented/inhibited:
▪ Breast
▪ Colon
▪ Gliomas
▪ Leukemia
▪ Prostate
• Applied topically, may alleviate the Rash and Itching associated with Chickenpox.
• May inhibit the growth of the following detrimental Bacteria:
▪ Enterococcus
▪ Escherichia coli
▪ Mycobacterium tuberculosis
▪ Pseudomonas aeruginosa
▪ Shigella
▪ Staphylococcus aureus
• Helps to suppress Inflammation.
• Possesses Antiviral properties and has been shown to inhibit the following Viruses:
▪ Common Cold
▪ Epstein-Barr
▪ Hepatitis B
▪ Herpes Type 1 & 2
▪ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) *see Cautions
▪ Influenza
▪ Retroviruses
• Inhibits the excessive release of Interleukin 6 (IL6).
METABOLISM
• Possesses Antioxidant properties.
• Fatigue may be alleviated by supplementation, especially if accompanied by Anxiety and or Depression.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Symptoms of Pain related to Fibromyalgia may be alleviated by supplementation due to its ability to increase Serotonin levels.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Helps alleviate symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.
• May reduce Aggressiveness.
• May be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease due to its ability to counteract the toxicity of Amyloid-Beta Protein.
• Alleviates Anxiety, Minor and Major Depressive Disorder.
• Feelings of Apathy can be reduced by supplementation.
• Inhibits the reuptake of Dopamine, GABA, Norepinephrine and Serotonin.
• Stimulates Acetylcholine release.
• Preserves endogenous neurotransmitters by inhibiting the action of Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) and Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT).
• Helps activate GABA-a receptors.
• Symptoms of Nicotine withdrawal can be reduced by supplementation.
• Can alleviate Insomnia.
• May improve Learning Ability and Memory.
• May prevent Age Associated Memory Impairment.
• Shown to be effective in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
• Pain may be alleviated by supplementation due to its influence on Neurotransmitters.
• May be useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease due to its ability to preserve Dopamine.
• Has been shown to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Improves Slow-Wave Sleep (deep sleep).
• The severity of Spinal Cord injuries may be reduced by supplementation.
• Helps minimize the toxic effects of Stress.
• Increases the night-time release of Melatonin.
• Can inhibit the excessive release of Cortisol during periods of Stress.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Hot flashes due to Menopause are reduced by supplementation.
• Reduces symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.
• Lowers serum Prolactin.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• May alleviate Premature Ejaculation.
• 5-Alpha Reductase activity is inhibited by supplementation.
• Lowers serum Prolactin.
SKIN
• Applied topically, may alleviate Eczema.
• May accelerate the healing of Wounds.
• Applied topically, accelerates the healing of Burns and prevents Infection.
Health Benefits of St. John’s Wort
USAGE
St. John’s Wort should be taken with water on an empty stomach. The usual dose of St. John’s Wort is 300mg three times per day (distributed) or 450mg twice per day (morning and evening).
CAUTIONS:
• St. John’s Wort may cause Photosensitivity.
• St. John’s Wort shortens the Half-Life of many drugs reducing their efficacy, check with your physician.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• DO NOT USE St. John’s Wort concurrently with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
• DO NOT USE St. John’s Wort concurrently with Birth Control Pills.
• St. John’s Wort should not be used during Pregnancy due to its potential to induce Miscarriage and stimulate the Uterus.
• DO NOT USE St. John’s Wort concurrently with Warfarin.
• Since St. John’s Wort reduces the Half-Life of many drugs check with your oncologist if you are using it for Cancer support.
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