In recent years, St. John’s wort has become an increasingly popular tool in the fight against depression, and there are numerous scientific studies that confirm such use. It is used in mild to moderate depression. Compared with antidepressant St John’s wort is as effective, and shows few negative effects. St. John’s wort is used for depression, anxiety, mood disorders in menopause, obsessive-compulsive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (occurring during the winter months due to lack of sunlight).
Studies have shown a positive effect in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. Vaginal Hypericum applied for disinfection, as they have a broad antibacterial activity. St. John’s wort is used to treat mood swings in menopausal women, as well as nocturnal enuresis.
It is very popular with injuries of the skin, wounds, cuts and stitches. Traditionally Hypericum oil is applied to reduce pain, and oil-based compositions in Klamath weed injury, inflammation of the skin, burns, healing of wounds, insect bites, hemorrhoids, vitiligo.
What the scientific research say?
St. John’s Wort has been approved as a drug for use in mild to moderate depression in Germany, and is recognized by the World Health Organization. In Germany, it is registered as a drug that is issued on a doctor’s prescription, ie. The reason for this is, it has a number of effects that are combined with other drugs, usually increases their excretion, and thus there is a decrease or complete loss of their activity.
How does St. John’s wort work?
In the past it was thought that the hypericin is the most active component of St. John’s wort, but today it is known that many other ingredients are responsible for his actions, and the growing importance of hyperforin. Amber prevents the degradation of the neurotransmitter serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, which are responsible for the good mood and thus reduces the symptoms of depression. Acts in the same way as the antidepressants SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), MAO-inhibitors.
St. John’s wort contributes to the treatment of the skin and superficial wounds by reducing inflammation of the skin. Because it contains light-sensitive components, it should be remembered that it might cause reactions in susceptible people, especially in the summer months. St. John’s wort is effective against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and viruses (influenza virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis C).
Some studies have shown that St. John’s wort prevents the development of malignant cells, but this has not been clinically confirmed. St. John’s wort contains melatonin, which is secreted in the body and balances the dream, acting in insomnia.
