For many years, there have been claims that St John's Wort can act as an effective
antidepressant. But recently, German researchers
have published their findings in the British Medical Journal, which suggests that St
John's Wort is as effective as the antidepressant
Imipramine and triggers fewer side effects.
In addition to depression, it has also been used to treat mental burnout, sleep
disorders, fatigue, eating disorders, feeling of guilt,
chronic aches and pains, excessive crying and even PMS.
In medievel times, it was thought that the plant had the power to drive out evil spirits, and when Christianity spread, became associated with John the Baptist - and said to bloom first on his birthday. But that's history for you ;-)
The anti-depressive effect of St Johns Wort is linked to monoamineoxidase inhibition. The monoamineoxidase enzyme coverts amines such as catcholamines, serotonin, adrenaline and dopamine in the brain into active forms, thus preventing the excitability of nerves. St John's Wort also increases the level of dopamine and hence may diminish nicotine withdrawl from giiving up cigerate smoking. A small trial is being held in London University to see how effective it is.
The use of St Johns Wort during pregnancy and lactation is NOT recommended. You should
also seek medical advice BEFORE
taking it, if you are on any other prescribed medicines. If you take it for over a month
continuously, it may be wise to seek medical
opinion on how best to cut down using it (self dependancy).
- St John's Wort Extract 300mg (Hypericum Perforatum) which contains 0.9mg hypericin
- Starch
- Cellulose
- Silica
- Magnesium Stearate
- Coating (Shellac)
- Suitable for vegetarians. Contains no gluten or lactose.
Suggested dose - 1 tablet per day.