Traditional Uses

• Mild to moderate antidepressant
• Antianxiety
• Antiviral

Mode of Action

• The natural tranquilizing effects of St. John’s Wort are due to the presence of hypericin,2-methyl-butenol, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), xanthones, hyperforin and quercetrin which have effects similar to;
  • MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a class of antidepressants)
  • noradrenaline
  • serotonin
  • dopamine
• Antiviral effect is due to pseudo hypericin and proanthocyanidins

Drug Interactions

• Do not use while taking other antidepressants such as MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), TCA, (tricyclic acid) and SSRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• St. John’s Wort should be used with caution in conjunction with central nervous system depressants or stimulants
• Works against the effects of reserpine
• Prolongs narcotic induced sleeping times

Cautions

• High doses can cause light sensitivity
• Avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding
• May act as a sedative
• May require 6-8 weeks to notice full effect

Recommended Dose

• 300 mg each evening containing 0.3% hypericin. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• 300 mg each evening containing 0.3% hypericin. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)