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St. John's Wort . |
| Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaciae) 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, this herb 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 V„xa 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). |