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Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaciae, St. John's Wort)
The Greek name Hypericum means
"over and apparition" in the belief that the herb was so obnoxious
to evil spirits that only a small scent would cause them to
fly away. Scientifically, Hypericum perforatum, commonly called
St. John's Wort, has been found to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in vitro (but remains unproven in human populations).
However, within human populations, it has been shown to have
effective antibacterial and antiviral properties and wound healing
abilities because of the naturally occurring alkaloid, Hypericin
and Hyperforin. There are also a number of other components
now thought to be useful in this regard including Flavonols,
Xanthones and Phloroglucinol derivatives. These compounds are
especially effective because they can cross the blood-brain
barrier (important for HIV infection).
Recent research (Lancet, Volume 350, November 1997) has shown
that St. John's Wort also contains substantial amounts of Melatonin,
both in the leaves and flowers. Since Melatonin and Serotonin
activity are directly related (Melatonin can be derived from
Serotonin), this gives more biochemical evidence and understanding
of its antidepressant activity, helping to increase levels of
Serotonin.Taken internally, it is useful in reducing the symptoms
of psychological disturbances, depressive moods, anxiety, bipolar
dysfunction, stress, sadness and nervous unrest. St. John's
Wort, in particular, has demonstrated clear antidepressant effects
in a number of double blind studies, and is recognized in Germany
(Commission E) as an herbal antidepressant often prescribed
by German physicians (66 million daily prescriptions in 1994
alone).
In a meta-analysis conducted by Klaus Linde, et al., Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat,
Munich, Germany, published in the August 1996 issue of the British
Medical Journal, St. John's Wort was "significantly superior"
to placebo for mild to moderate depression. It should be noted
that in these studies the extract of St. John's Wort was used
(as does Vaxa formulas) and not the non-standardized herb itself.
The study consisted of 23 randomized clinical trials involving
1,757 patients examined in single and combination preparations
with either placebo or standard antidepressive treatment. Antidepressant
activity (MAO inhibition which retards one of the enzymes responsible
for monoamine breakdown and thus acts to increase the amount
of Serotonin and Norepinephrine in the central nervous system)
is thought to be due to the Dianthrone derivative including
Hypericin, Pseudohypericin, Frangula-emodin Anthranol (and a
mixture of the precursors, proto-hypericin and hypericodehydrodianthrone).
It has been found in German studies that Hypericin irreversibly
inhibits type A and B MAO in human populations. In other clinical
trials, the use of St. John's Wort has led to significant excretion
of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenlyglucol, a marker for the beginning
of an antidepressant reaction in women.
Although originally thought to be only an MAO inhibitor alone,
similar to drugs Nardil and Parnate, it now appears that St.
John's Wort, like Prozac, acts as a Serotonin re-uptake inhibitor,
increasing the amounts of circulating Serotonin to brain cells.
In addition, St. John's Wort has an inhibiting effect on another
chemical called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which raises levels of
Cortisol, a hormone that is elevated in depression. By indirectly
reducing Cortisol levels, St. John's Wort produces further antidepressant
effects. The added advantages of using St. John's Wort in the
recommended dosages is that there are no side effects, as there
are with synthetic antidepressants.
The only possible side effect is possible photosensitization
( although it's thought at least 4 grams consumed daily must
be used for this to occur), especially in fair skinned people,
which can generally be prevented with adequate supplementation
of vitamin B2 and L-Taurine.The use of St. John's Wort has demonstrated
an improvement in the symptoms of anxiety, dysphoric mood, loss
of interest, hypersomnia, anorexia, depression, insomnia, obstipation,
psychomotor retardation and feelings of worthlessness in women
populations.
In animal studies too, hypericin from St. John's Wort appears
to reduce aggressive behavior while increasing the amount of
exploratory behavior in foreign environments. This herb has
historically been used as a pain-reducing agent for joint pain,
headaches and nervous conditions. It has also been used for
the diuretic activity on smooth musculature. This is an herb
which can also be used in one's garden salad as well as being
a useful and advantageous agent in the soothing of bruises,
wounds, stressed veins, minor irruptions of the skin and sunburn
when applied topically, as well as being useful cosmetically
as a skin tightener.
External applications have used the oily Hypericum preparations
for treatment and post-therapy of acute and contused injuries,
myalgia and first-degree burns.Also used as an effective Homeopathic
medicine (botanical) (Homeopathic potencies accredit their strength
and efficacy to the electromagnetic signatures of the original
substrate; these are scientifically created dilutions and succussions
of medicines such that generally not even a molecule of the
original substrate or medicine is present in the medicine).
As a Homeopathic or used simply as a micro-nutritional, it has
demonstrated effectiveness against the following symptomology:
"It is called the 'Arnica of the nerves'. In injuries to nerves
and parts rich in nerves...or in open wounds that are exceedingly
painful, it is eminently suited. Great nervous depression and
loss of blood from lacerated wounds. Nails or splinters in feet,
slivers under nails, mashings of fingers by hammer or crushing
of toes by letting things fall on them, are conditions benefited
by Hypericum. It modifies or arrests sloughing and is...valuable
as a soother of pain after surgical operations... very useful
in injuries to the coccyx...ascending neuritis after a fracture,
or any form of traumatic neuritis." (Dewey) -convulsions after
every slight hurt or concussion; -wounds from crushing, as mashed
fingers, especially tips; -extreme sensitiveness of punctured
wounds; -open painful wounds with general prostration from loss
of blood and great nervous depression; -spinal concussions;
cervical vertebrae very sensitive to touch; -violent pains and
inability to walk or to stoop after a fall upon coccyx (Lilienthal).
Hypericum perforatum is an ingredient in the following product(s):
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BUFFER PH
pH Balancer
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PARASITIN
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CLEARIN
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