St. John's wort
Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a traditional medicinal 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 may have some benefits, particularly in reducing oral bacteria associated with dental plaque and gingivitis. Studies indicate synergistic activity against certain bacteria when combined with other essential oils. Additionally, research shows potential for improving sleep quality through adenosine and melatonin receptor signaling, though specific dosages are not well-documented. Safety concerns include photosensitivity, where the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, necessitating caution in sun exposure. Hypericum perforatum can interact with several medications; it may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin by inducing CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein enzymes, potentially lowering drug blood levels and efficacy. It also interacts with oral contraceptives, possibly reducing their contraceptive effect due to enzyme induction. Furthermore, combining Hypericum perforatum with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) could lead to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome due to additive serotonergic effects.
- Uso tradicional
- episodios depresivos leves / mal humor · heridas menores y quemaduras (tópico, tradicional)
- Tradiciones
- fitoterapia occidental
- Mejor evidencia
- B
- Precauciones
- ⚕ 3 ⚠ 1
Solo información. El uso tradicional no significa eficacia probada. La evidencia y la seguridad varían — consulte las fuentes citadas.
Uso tradicional
- episodios depresivos leves / mal humor
- heridas menores y quemaduras (tópico, tradicional)
Lo que dice la ciencia
- El estudio mostró que el extracto deHypericum perforatum en las encías redujo significativamente la cantidad de Streptococcus mutans, el índice de placa y el sangrado gengival en comparación con las encías sin el extracto, aunque ambas aumentaron el pH salivario.
- HME redujo significativamente el latencia del sueño y prolongó el tiempo total de sueño en ratones, sugiriendo efectos mediados por la señalización de receptores de adenosina y melatonina.
- Hypericum perforatum y Chaihu Shugan San alivian los comportamientos depresivos en un modelo de estrés crónico, con mecanismos moleculares distintos involucrando la metabolización de lípidos y procesos metabólicos más amplios.
- Los tratamientos con Hypericum perforatum y Glycyrrhiza glabra redujeron la actividad de MAO-A, restauraron la expresión de ERβ e improved mitochondrial function en condiciones deficiencia de estrógenos sin especificar dosis o recomendaciones explícitas.
- Los aceites esenciales de Hypericum perforatum y Achillea millefolium mostraron actividad sintéctica contra Staphylococcus epidermidis en mezclas específicas de aceite.
Seguridad y toxicidad
- fotossensibilidad — la piel se vuelve más sensible a la luz solar
Interacciones con medicamentos
- varfarina — induces CYP3A4 / P-glycoprotein → lowers drug blood levels and effect
- anticonceptivos orales — inducción enzimática → reducción de la eficacia anticonceptiva, sangrado intermenstrual
- Inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina — efecto serotonérgico aditivo → riesgo de síndrome serotonínico
Frequently asked questions
What is St. John's wort?
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is St. John's wort traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record St. John's wort for: episodios depresivos leves / mal humor, heridas menores y quemaduras (tópico, tradicional). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use St. John's wort?
St. John's wort appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about St. John's wort?
5 sourced findings are recorded for St. John's wort; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: El estudio mostró que el extracto deHypericum perforatum en las encías redujo significativamente la cantidad de Streptococcus mutans, el índice de placa y el sangrado gengival en comparación con las encías sin el extracto, aunque ambas aumentaron el pH salivario.
How strong is the evidence for St. John's wort?
The strongest finding for St. John's wort carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is St. John's wort safe? What are the side effects?
Reported effects associated with St. John's wort include: fotossensibilidad — la piel se vuelve más sensible a la luz solar. This is informational only — consult a qualified professional before use.
Does St. John's wort interact with medications?
Recorded drug interactions for St. John's wort involve: varfarina, anticonceptivos orales, Inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any herb you take.
What are the common names of St. John's wort?
St. John's wort is also known as: зверобой, Millepertuis.
Is St. John's wort 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.
Fuentes
- 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