Used by herbalists for hundreds of years, the botanical St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has only recently received public interest in its use for the treatment of depression.

St. John's wort is a common perennial herb with golden yellow flowers that grows wild in much of the world, St. John's wort has golden yellow flowers and secretes a red liquid when pinched. Its name is derived from its tendency to flower around the feast of St. John. Wort is the Old English name for plant.

Also known as amber, goatweed, hardhay, klamath weed, or tipton weed, St. John's wort has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It may also improve the anxiety and insomnia associated with depression, and benefit people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). St. John's wort is not used in the treatment of severe depression.

Herbalists have used St. John's wort to help heal wounds, burns, bruises, abrasions, skin inflammation, and treat other problems and is now being studied for use in the treatment of some infections.

In the United States, St. John's wort is sold as a nutritional supplement in health food stores and pharmacies. It is not regulated by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore cannot be prescribed by doctors in the United States. However, in other countries, such as Germany, it is prescribed and widely used.

How does it work?

It's not really known how St. John's wort works. Recent studies suggest that it may raise the levels of certain neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, thereby elevating mood and combating depression. It is also not known which components are active. Hypericin was thought to be the active ingredient, but recent data suggest that hyperforin may be primarily responsible for its actions.

No matter how it works, St. John's wort takes about four to six weeks to be effective.

Are there any side effects?

At recommended dosages and if not taken with other medications, St. John's wort appears to have few side effects. However, if taken at higher dosages or with other medications, side effects and drug interactions may occur.

An increase in sensitivity to sunlight may occur if you take the herb at higher dosages or for a prolonged period of time. It is recommended then to minimize your exposure to sunlight, wear a sun block and sunglasses, and take other normal precautions when out in the sun. An increased risk of cataracts may also occur, so wearing sunglasses would also help to reduce this risk.

Other side effects, which have been reported to be mild, include gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and constipation, dry mouth, rash, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and restlessness.

As always, check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) or herbal medications, especially if you are currently taking other prescription medications. St. John's wort is known, or thought to interact with several drugs or classes of drugs:

If you are going to have surgery and general anesthesia, talk to your doctor about whether or not to stop taking St. John's wort beforehand. Its interactions with anesthesia are not really known and could be unpredictable.

Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Use should be avoided, or use with extreme caution.

How do I take it?

Because of the various preparations of St. John's wort available, and how they may be standardized (to hypericin or hyperforin content), be sure to read the product label carefully and follow the manufacturer's directions and your doctor's instructions on use.

For treatment of depression, St. John's wort is taken orally via a powder, liquid, or solid preparation. When used to help heal wounds, it may be applied to the skin (topically).

If you are currently taking a prescription drug for depression, caution is indicated when switching to St. John's wort as the chemical effects of the antidepressant may remain in your body for some time. It is usually recommended that you stop taking the prescription drug for a time and allow its effects to dissipate before starting St. John's wort. Check with your doctor.

Remember, it can take from four to up to six weeks before you start to notice its effects, so be patient!

 

Copyright © 2000 PersonalMD.com. All rights reserved.