St. John's Wort Herb is recommended during mild or moderate mood swings, depression, and during stress for positive mood and feeling
Over 20 recent clinical studies published in medical journals reveal that St. John's Wort is the leading natural herbal remedy for mild and moderate mood disorders. The active ingredient found in the leaves is hypericin which helps enhance mood by promoting a calming and soothing sense of well being. Our St. John's Wort 300mg capsule Standardized Herbal Extract is standardized to 0.3% Hypericin. Hyperin's have also been shown to assist the body in fighting bacterial and viral infections.
Various studies suggest that hypericin's have the ability to affect the life cycle of retroviruses. Suppression of a retrovirus in animals suggests the possibility of hypericin's potential in human AIDS.[2]
The primary antidepressive mechanism of St. John's wort is its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), but it has also been demonstrated to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.[1,4] Data is limited but it appears to act as an SSRI. [5] (SSRI= Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as Prozac Dista, Paxil SK Beecham, and Zoloft Roerig)
Common Uses
Used to improve mood disorders such as depression
Not yet widely accepted but it may help fight viral and bacterial infections
St. John's Wort herb has 3 main actions: Fights infection as an antiviral, an antibacterial, and it also acts as an antidepressant. Studies have shown that hypericin, an active ingredient in St. John's wort, acts as a viral fighting substance.
Various studies suggest that hypericin's have the ability to affect the life cycle of retroviruses. Suppression of a retrovirus in animals suggests the possibility of hypericin's potential in human AIDS.[2] Other studies have confirmed its ability to inactivate the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1).[3] Studies on hypericin's antibacterial activities are limited. The primary antidepressive mechanism of St. John's wort is its ability to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), but it has also been demonstrated to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.[1,4] Data is limited but it appears to act as an SSRI. [5] (SSRI= Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitor such as Prozac Dista, Paxil SK Beecham, and Zoloft Roerig)
Recommended Dosage: Adults, take 1 capsule two to three times daily as a dietary supplement, preferably with meals.
WARNING: St. John's Wort can have potentially dangerous interactions with some prescription drugs. Consult your physician before taking St. John's Wort if you are currently taking anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, drugs to treat HIV or prevent transplant rejection, or any other prescription drug. This product is not recommended for use if you are or could be pregnant unless a qualified health care provider tells you to use it. The product may not be safe for your developing baby.
Possible side effects: include mild digestive tract disturbances, fatigue, pruritus, and weight fluctuation. Use caution when taking foods and drugs that interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), such as tyramine-containing foods, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, and amphetamines. Concurrent use of serotonergic agents, such as Prozac Dista, Paxil SK Beecham, and Zoloft Roerig, should be avoided.
References
1. Suzuki O, Katsumata Y, Oya M, et al: Inhibitions of monoamine oxidase by hypericin. Planta Med 50:272-274, 1984.
2. Meruelo D, Lavie G, Lavie D: Therapeutic agents with dramatic antiretroviral activity and little toxicity at therapeutic doses: Aromatic polycyclic diones hypericin and pseudohypericin. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86:5230-5234, 1988.
3. Hudson JB, Lopez-Bazzocchi I, Towers GH: Antiviral activities of hypericin. Antiviral Res 15(2):101-112, 1991.
4. Perovic S, et al: Pharmacological profile of hypericum extract: Effect on serotonin uptake by postsynaptic receptors. Arzneimittelforschung 45:1145-1148, 1995.
5. Wincor MZ, et al: St. John's wort and the treatment of depression. US Pharmacist 22:88-97, 1997.
Nutritional supplementation information is not intended
to be used in lieu of standard recognized Medical protocol but
rather is intended to provide the body with recognized essential nutrients
that may benefit tissue building and repair,
and metabolic function in conjunction with recognized Medical treatment
and with the approval of a patients current Medical provider.
If you have or suspect an illness or have a health concern, always consult with
your physician or health care provider. We have used our best
judgment in compiling this information, however, the information
presented may not have been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to a specific product
is for your information only and is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
