StJohnsWort

E L I X U P L I F T

St. John's Wort
Depression is a common disorder with an estimated life-time prevalence of 17% in the United States. Extracts of the plant Hypericum perforatum have been used in folk medicine for ages for a variety of indications, including depressive disorders. Extracts of St. John's Wort are licensed in Germany for the treatment of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. In 1993 more than 2.7 million prescriptions were counted for the seven most popular preparations in Germany.

Hypericum extracts contain at least 10 groups of components that may contribute to its pharmacological effects. These include naphthodianthrons (e.g. hypericins), flavonoids (e.g. quercetin), xanthones and bioflavonoids. The mechanism of action of the antidepressant effect is unclear.

Clinical trials in the past 10 years have validated the antidepressant effects of St. John's Wort over placebo and compared to standard antidepressants. Systematic reviews of these studies have shown conclusively that extracts of hypericum are significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of depression; they are as effective as standard antidepressant treatments, and they have fewer side effects than these drugs.

History
Ancient herbalists such as Galen, Dioscorides, Gerard and Culpeper recommended St. John's Wort as an effective remedy for wounds and bruises. It acts as both an antibiotic and an analgesic. Pliny recommended its use in wine against poisonous reptiles. Although ancients used it to drive away demons, this use is not mentioned in the literature until the 16th and 17th century. Paracelsus said it could be used as an amulet against enchantments and apparitions. In pre-Christian England, bringing the flowers of St. John's Wort into the house on midsummer eve would protect one from the evil eye of witches.

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