Name
Hypericum perforatum (St. John’S Wort)
Medical Indication
Part of the plant which can be used
- The aerial part of the plant.
Present in the market
- Dry extract.
- Liquid extract.
- Oil extract.
- Herbal tea.
Medical Use and Dosage – mode of administration
HYPERICUM PERFORATUM is probably the most popular medicinal plant, and is used to treat mild and moderate depression. It is also used as a spasmolytic, and is improving sleep quality in insomnia and skin healing.
In cases of the treatment of mild to moderate depressive episodes, it can be used in dry extract, and the suggested dosage is 3 times daily.
In dealing with the treatment of mild to moderate depressive episodes, it can be used in liquid extract, and it is suggested to drops. In case of using liquid extract, we should follow the medical description.
In dealing with the short-term treatment of symptoms in mild depressive disorders, it can be used in extract oil, and the suggested dosage is 1-4 ml, 3 times daily. It is also very good in sunburn and bruises, pulmonary complaints, bladder problems, diarrhea.
Also, in dealing with the short-term treatment of symptoms in mild depressive disorders, it can be used in herbal tea, and the suggested dosage is 2 times daily.
For more information see:
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2010/01/WC500059144.pdf
Combinations & Contraindications
Hypericum perforatum can be combined with Cimicifuga racemosa.
It should be avoided the consumption of beer, cheese, salted porbeagle, and wine at the same time with Hypericum perforatum preparations. The above may be ingested at a distance of 2 h after administration.
Photoactive hypericin derivatives may induce photosensitivity reactions to prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation. (Blonde individuals should be cautious using Hypericum, even that the therapeutically doses are 30-50 times smaller than the photosensitizing doses).
Data from human studies and case reports indicate that Hypericum decreased the blood concentrations of amitriptyline, cyclosporine, digoxin, fexofenadine, indinavir, methadone, midazolam, nevirapine, phenprocoumon, simvastatin, tacrolimus, theophylline and warfarin, where as it did not alter the pharmacokinetics of carbamazepine, dextromethorphan, mycophenolic acid and pravastatin. Hypericum decreased the plasma concentration of the active metabolite SN-38 in cancer patients receiving irinotecan treatment. Hypericum did not alter the pharmacokinetics of tolbutamide, but increased the incidence of hypoglycaemia. Several cases have been reported that Hypericum decreased cyclosporine blood concentration leading to organ rejection. Hypericum caused breakthrough bleeding and unplanned pregnancies when used concomitantly with oral contraceptives. It also caused serotonin syndrome when coadministered with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (e.g. sertaline and paroxetine).
Several case reports document psychotic adverse reactions like mania and psychosis. The majority of the affected persons had histories of affected illness, in most cases Hypericum was combined with other psychopharmaceuticals. The symptoms remitted after discontinuation of the medication. As a precaution Hypericum extracts should not be taken by persons with a history of mania or psychosis. Seizures are reported after overdose only.
There is data suggesting that Hypericum preparation used should be discarded at least 10 days prior to surgery.
Hypericum is contraindicated in pregnancy (uterotonic activity in experimental animals was observed) and lactation (it inhibits pituitary prolactin secretion).
Recognized Ethnobotanical use
Hypericum is used in order to ‘strengthen the nerves’ and to restore emotional balance.