St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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

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.