St. John’s Wort – The Natural Prozac?

Based on German Commission E monograph and American Botanical Council information material and summarized by Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Diplomate American Board of Family Practice.

The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements presented. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Product:

The yellow flowers of St. John’s Wort are a wild flower with tiny black-red beads containing Hypericin, which may be the active component. Name is believed to come from Christian folk myth because plant blooms around the same time as the traditional birthday of St. John the Baptist, June 24.Most popular prescription drug in Germany for mild depression.

• Hypericin is believed to be the active substance, but two dozen other bioactive compounds have been identified.

• Treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorders.
• Animal studies show antidepressant activity through dopaminergic pathways or through an inhibition of serotonin, norepinephrin, and gamma-amino butyric acid.

• Hypersensitivity to St. Johns Wort preparations.

• Phototoxicity: Can cause skin flushing in sun exposed skin areas.
• Serotonin Syndrome: No reported cases yet! In combination with other antidepressants (SSRI) confusion, agitation, shivering, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and tremor can occur.

• No known restrictions but do not recommend treatment if pregnant or nursing.

• Avoid concurrent use with other antidepressant medications.
• St. John’s Wort might have MAOI ( Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) activity. Therefore reduce or avoid tyramine-containing food like red wine, cheeses etc.

• One tablet or capsule containing 300mg (standardized to contain 0.3% of Hypericin) taken three times daily will give a daily dose of approximately 1mg of Hypericin.

• Daily use should be restricted to 6-8 weeks after which a re-evaluation and dosage and dosage adjustment by a physician is indicated
• No long-term safety data are available for extended St. John’s Wort use.

• Not known but watch for agitation panic attacks, confusion, fever, or chills.

• Do not use St. John’s Wort if you suffer from Seizure disorders!
• Do not substitute St. John’s Wort for your prescribed antidepressants!
• Do not self treat serious depression and seek immediate medical attention if you are having suicidal thoughts or plans!

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