The properties of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) have been studied extensively for their potential to reduce depression and alleviate mental health issues.
This potential is attributed to hypericin in St. John’s wort, a compound known for its various properties.
St. John’s wort is a herbaceous plant that grows wild and spontaneously. As mentioned, it has been used for centuries to treat mental health disorders, and to this day, Hypericum perforatum is still used for depression in many parts of Europe.
However, its use has been banned in France, and several other countries have tightened the regulations on prescribing this type of herb, requiring more descriptive and accurate labeling.
This is because, although the properties of St. John’s wort have been investigated and some have been proven, the evidence is often limited to low-probability or inconclusive but positive results, which have nonetheless been enough to fuel marketing and consumption campaigns for this type of medicinal product.
Overview of St. John’s Wort
Family: Hypericaceae (Clusiaceae)
Genus: Hypericum
Species: Hypericum perforatum
Botanically, Hypericum is similar to many other medicinal plants featured in this blog. It contains a large group of active ingredients and alkaloids that contribute to the various properties of St. John’s Wort, which we will discuss below.
Many of the properties of Hypericum are common to the genus, although different species exhibit varying concentrations of these compounds. However, Hypericum perforatum stands out due to the balanced composition of its active ingredients.
St. John’s Wort is distinguished by its characteristic yellow flowers, which typically bloom in June (hence the name St. John’s Wort, after the feast of St. John on June 24).
The plant is native to Europe, with spontaneous growth in North Africa and parts of Western Asia. Today, it is widely distributed across the globe, including areas in the Americas and Australia, particularly along roadsides and in stony terrains.
The medicinal properties of this plant have been recognized since the time of the Greeks and Romans, and it is still used today for specific therapeutic purposes.
Typically, both the flowers and leaves are utilized, though we will explore this in more detail later.
One of the most notable aspects of this plant is its content of hypericin, a medicinal compound that characterizes many of St. John’s Wort’s properties.
A quick search online reveals the potential of St. John’s Wort, particularly in treating or reducing the effects of depression.
Several ongoing studies are investigating the properties of St. John’s Wort, focusing on hypericin and its relationship with depression. Some studies also highlight the potential of another substance found in St. John’s Wort, hyperforin, which is believed to possess even stronger antidepressant properties than hypericin.
Based on current research, hypericin and hyperforin appear to act directly on chemical messengers that regulate and influence the nervous system, thereby affecting mood.
Seed Propagation Techniques for St. John’s Wort
If you want to grow Hypericum in your garden, you’ll find it relatively easy to do so. Once you have the seeds (which can be purchased from a nursery, online, or provided by someone else), you can sow them in a seedbed or directly in the soil or substrate during the spring.
The seeds take quite a while to germinate, typically between 1 to 3 months, especially if the temperature is relatively low. Once the seedlings have emerged, you can transplant them into pots or directly into the garden. Provide normal care, and be sure to protect the plants from cold temperatures as they develop.
Key Benefits of St. John’s Wort
Active Compounds in St. John’s Wort
- Essential Oils: Caryophyllene, cineole, pinene.
- Acids: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), stearic acid, palmitic acid.
- Hyperforin: Effective in treating depressive disorders and anxiety.
- Hypericin: Increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter.
- Limonene: Has antioxidant potential, also found in citrus fruits.
- Quercetin: Exhibits antioxidant effects similar to limonene.
- Rutin: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
St. John’s Wort also contains minerals, flavonoids, and tannins, which are essential for our bodies. However, more research is needed to fully understand their relationship with the known properties of St. John’s Wort.
In addition to its use in treating depression, Hypericum perforatum has been successfully tested for promoting the healing of skin wounds, such as cuts, scratches, or burns.
Digestive Health Benefits of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort can also help strengthen the immune system. When used as an extract in infusions, it may help alleviate digestive disorders associated with stomach problems, diarrhea, or heavy meals. These properties can also be harnessed through tablets, which may be a more convenient and practical option for some individuals.
Evaluating St. John’s Wort as a Depression Treatment
There is some debate on this question. According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies on St. John’s Wort have been inconclusive in treating depression. However, there is evidence of its positive effects, especially when combined consistently with other treatments for the same condition.
Advanced countries like Germany have included St. John’s Wort on their list of effective products for treating depression and anxiety.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of St. John’s Wort
Among the properties of St. John’s Wort is its anti-inflammatory effect, primarily due to hyperforin, which modulates the expression of COX-2. This anti-inflammatory effect also extends to treating conditions related to allergies.
Antibacterial Effects of St. John’s Wort
Ongoing research is investigating St. John’s Wort’s potential to reduce viral infections like herpes, influenza, and hepatitis C. What is confirmed, however, is that hyperforin in St. John’s Wort has antibacterial and microbiological activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria.
Another compound, present in lower concentrations, is the butanolic fraction, which has shown activity in reducing Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for stomach infections.
Methods of Use and Applications for St. John’s Wort
There are several ways to harness the properties of St. John’s Wort:
- By Infusion: Use 15 to 30 g/L of flower extract, and consume 3 to 4 cups daily.
- By Decoction: Prepare a 5% concentration and use 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup for external application on the skin.
- Liquid Extract: Purchase a liquid concentrate and apply 5 to 10 drops, 3 times a day, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as the dosage may vary depending on the concentration.
- Fresh St. John’s Wort Juice: Take 2 teaspoons, 2 to 3 times a day. Reduce the dosage by 50% in the following week.
- By Tincture: Take 30 drops, three times a day.
- Topical Use: Various oil-based formulations with different concentrations are available. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
Guide to Purchasing St. John’s Wort Extracts
There are several ways to utilize the properties of St. John’s Wort for both digestive and topical applications (such as its antimicrobial effects).
One of the most common and practical methods is through tablets containing a concentrated extract. The typical dosage is 1 tablet per day, taken with a glass of water. These tablets usually contain 400 mg of Hypericum floral extract, combined with magnesium carbonate, which helps form the tablet’s structure.
You can also find oil extracts for topical application.
These methods are among the most effective and convenient ways to benefit from the properties of St. John’s Wort.
It is important to remember that medicinal plants should be consumed in moderation and always at the doses recommended by experts.
The properties of St. John’s Wort can have adverse effects if taken in high doses, as it may interfere with the absorption of essential minerals like iron (due to the presence of hypericin).
Hypericin is also associated with potential toxicity issues, so the recommended dose is 600 mg per day, divided into 2 or 3 doses (approximately 200 mg per tablet).
All this information should be clearly stated in the package leaflet of any medication or natural product containing St. John’s Wort. It is advisable to consult a medical specialist before beginning any treatment for depression.
The naphthodianthrones in St. John’s Wort may cause photosensitivity effects when taken orally, depending on the concentration. In some cases, mild allergic reactions, dry mouth, confusion, or sleep disturbances have also been reported.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The properties of St. John’s Wort have been analyzed in pregnant women who wish to take this medicinal plant orally. However, there is not yet sufficient scientific research to definitively determine its safety during pregnancy or whether it could be toxic.
Many of the properties of St. John’s Wort are attributed to its three or four most concentrated compounds, so current research is focused on understanding whether these compounds can be transferred to a child through breast milk.
Early studies suggest that only the compound hyperforin may be excreted into breast milk, but in concentrations that, at first glance, do not seem to adversely affect the child’s health and are present in small amounts.
However, current guidelines recommend continuing trials to assess the long-term effects on both the mother’s and the fetus’s health.
Do you know more about the properties of St. John’s Wort? Let us know in the comments!
