ST. JOHN'S WORT
Everybody’s heard about St. John’s Wort, isn’t it time you got the whole truth about the herb before you decide to start using it?
Common Names--St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed
Latin Name--Hypericum perforatum
How It Is Used?
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.
What the Science Says?
There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.
Side Effects and Cautions.
St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction. Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:
* Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection.
* Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer.
* Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs.
* Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions.
* Warfarin and related anticoagulants.
* Birth control pills.
* Antidepressants.
When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion. St. John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available. It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
The composition of St. John's wort and how it might work are not well understood.
There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, recent studies suggest that St. John's wort is of no benefit in treating major depression of moderate severity. More research is required to help us know whether St. John's wort has value in treating other forms of depression.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. What is St. John's wort?
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum in Latin) is a long-living plant with yellow flowers. It contains many chemical compounds. Some are believed to be the active ingredients that produce the herb's effects, including the compounds hypericin and hyperforin.
How these compounds actually work in the body is not yet known, but several theories have been suggested. Preliminary studies suggest that St. John's wort might work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing the chemical messenger serotonin, or by reducing levels of a protein involved in the body's immune system functioning.
2. For what medicinal purposes has St. John's wort been used?
St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders as well as nerve pain. In ancient times, doctors and herbalists (specialists in herbs) wrote about its use as a sedative and treatment for malaria as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. Today, St. John's wort is used by some people to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
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