Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a traditional plant used in various European and folk medicine practices for treating mild depressive episodes and low mood. It has also been traditionally applied topically to manage minor wounds and burns. Scientific evidence suggests that Hypericum perforatum extract may have antimicrobial properties, reducing Streptococcus mutans count and improving oral health parameters such as plaque index and gingival bleeding. Additionally, it shows potential in enhancing sleep quality through adenosine and melatonin receptor interactions, though the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In terms of depression, both Hypericum perforatum and other traditional remedies like Chaihu Shugan San have shown promise in alleviating depressive-like behaviors under chronic stress conditions, but the exact molecular pathways involved remain to be elucidated. Safety concerns include photosensitivity, where skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Drug interactions are also notable; it can induce CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein enzymes, potentially lowering blood levels of warfarin and oral contraceptives, which could reduce their effectiveness. Hypericum perforatum may also interact with SSRI antidepressants by increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome due to its serotonergic effects.
- Traditionally for
- mild depressive episodes / low mood · minor wounds and burns (topical, traditional)
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- ⚕ 3 ⚠ 1
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- The study found that Hypericum perforatum extract gum significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans count, plaque index, and gingival bleeding compared to gum without the extract, though both gums increased salivary pH.
- HME significantly reduced sleep onset latency and prolonged total sleep time in mice, suggesting effects mediated through adenosine and melatonin receptor signaling.
- Both Hypericum perforatum and Chaihu Shugan San alleviated depressive-like behaviors in a chronic stress model, with distinct molecular mechanisms involving lipid metabolism and broader metabolic processes.
- Hypericum perforatum and Glycyrrhiza glabra treatments reduced MAO-A activity, restored ERβ expression, and improved mitochondrial function in estrogen-deficient conditions without explicit dose or recommendation.
- Hypericum perforatum and Achillea millefolium essential oils showed synergistic activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis in specific oil mixtures.
Safety & toxicity
- photosensitivity — skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight
Drug interactions
- warfarin — induces CYP3A4 / P-glycoprotein → lowers drug blood levels and effect
- oral contraceptives — enzyme induction → reduced contraceptive efficacy, breakthrough bleeding
- SSRI antidepressants — additive serotonergic effect → risk of serotonin syndrome
Frequently asked questions
What is Hypericum perforatum?
Hypericum perforatum (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Hypericum perforatum traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Hypericum perforatum for: mild depressive episodes / low mood, minor wounds and burns (topical, traditional). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Hypericum perforatum?
Hypericum perforatum appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Hypericum perforatum?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Hypericum perforatum; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that Hypericum perforatum extract gum significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans count, plaque index, and gingival bleeding compared to gum without the extract, though both gums increased salivary pH.
How strong is the evidence for Hypericum perforatum?
The strongest finding for Hypericum perforatum carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Hypericum perforatum safe? What are the side effects?
Reported effects associated with Hypericum perforatum include: photosensitivity — skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. This is informational only — consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Hypericum perforatum interact with medications?
Recorded drug interactions for Hypericum perforatum involve: warfarin, oral contraceptives, SSRI antidepressants. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any herb you take.
What are the common names of Hypericum perforatum?
Hypericum perforatum is also known as: Зверобой продырявленный.
Is Hypericum perforatum a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T1 EMA HMPC monograph: Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) © EU/EMA — reproduced with attribution
- T1 LiverTox: St. John's Wort public domain
- T2 NCCIH: St. John's Wort public domain (attribute NCCIH)
- T2 Clinical Assessment of the Effect of Hypericum perforatum Chewing Gum on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Count, pH, Plaque Index, and Gingival Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical Composition and Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Hypericum perforatum and Achillea millefolium Essential Oils Against Wound-Associated Microorganisms. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hypericum perforatum L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. preserve cardiac mitochondrial redox homeostasis in E2 deficiency via ERβ-MAO-A modulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrative Proteomics Reveals Distinct Lipid Metabolic and Gut Microbiota-Associated Antidepressant Mechanisms of Two Herbal Medicines in a Chronic Stress Model. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hypnotic Effects of Hypericum perforatum L. and Melissa officinalis L. Through Adenosine and Melatonin Receptors. literature abstract metadata