| The study found that the herb is actually much more effective than antidepressant drugs, since more than half of those taking St. john's wort in the trial experienced improvements in symptoms of mental depression. Conversely, only one-third of those taking the popular antidepressant drug showed such improvements. Not surprisingly, those taking the herb also showed significantly fewer negative side effects compared to those taking the prescription drug. |
Mark Stengler, N.D.
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 John's wort, and several more are still underway, including some under the auspices of the National Institutes of Health.
St. john's wort is grown in many different areas, including North Africa, Europe, western Asia, Canada, Australia, China, and the United States (especially northern California and southern Oregon). The characteristic bright yellow flowers contain a red pigment, known as hypericin, which is one of the active constituents. When you get a "standardized" preparation of St. john's wort, it is standardized to hypericin. |
Jack Challem
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 A general dosage recommendation for St. john's wort is 300 mg three times daily.
5-HTP
A form of the essential amino acid tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan is the chemical precursor to serotonin. Researchers believe that it increases serotonin levels in the brain, which reduces depression and anxiety. A beneficial dosage is 300 to 400 mg daily.
Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What Happens
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)—so severe that many people suffering from it have difficulty getting out of bed—affects an estimated 2 million Americans. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Hypericum perfoliatum
St john's wort extract, standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin (see Ch. 93), at a dosage of 300 mg three times daily has been shown to improve SAD.130 However, although effective on its own, St john's wort extract is more effective when used in combination with light therapy. This was demonstrated in a double-blind study where patients with SAD were randomized in a 4 week treatment study with 900 mg/day of St john's wort extract (0.3% hypericin content) combined with either bright (3000 lux, n = 10) or dim light (<300 lux therapy). |
Jack Challem
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| Prozac and other antidepressant drugs, as well as the herb St. john's wort, begin boosting serotonin levels almost immediately. By doing so, they should rapidly relieve depression. However, these therapies typically take two to four weeks to have a noticeable effect, suggesting that they work by another mechanism.
This delay in exerting an antidepressant effect has led some researchers, such as Rene Hen, Ph.D. |
| Many of the compounds found in ginkgo, St. john's wort, ginseng, and other herbs are also found in vegetables and fruits. However, other compounds are highly distinctive and found only in certain herbs, such as the ginkolides in ginkgo and the ginsenosides in ginseng.
How to Take Flavonoid Supplements
As with carotenoids, the best way to obtain a diverse selection of flavonoids is by eating a diet with a healthy range of vegetables and fruits. The reason is simple: no supplement can provide the variety of flavonoids found in foods. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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 Now we're being told that St. john's wort is ineffective and Ginkgo biloba induces brain hemorrhages.
The vast majority of stories emanating from the media arise from single case reports, letters-to-the-editor, and poorly conducted research that would never be accepted by the guardians of knowledge occupying the seats of power in our medical universities, and who control the scientific journals. When those working in the area of nutraceuticals attempt to have a paper published in a traditional medical journal, they meet stiff resistance. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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 These results indicate direct inducing effects of St. john's wort on intestinal P-glycoprotein/ MDR1 (in rats and humans), hepatic CYP3A2 (in rats), and intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 (in humans). Therefore, the results of this study provide a mechanistic explanation for the previously observed drug interactions in patients and support the importance of intestinal P- glycoprotein/MDR 1 in addition to intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 for overall drug absorption and disposition in humans.
Accumulating data suggest that St. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
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 INDIAN SQUILL
Methylxanthines (Can increase the risk of cardie arrhythmias when given simultaneously with this herb)
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors (Can increase the risk of cardie arrhythmias when given simultaneously with this herb)
Quinidine (Can increase the risk of cardie arrhythmias when given simultaneously with this herb)
Sympathomimetic Agents (Can increase the risk of cardie arrhythmias when given simultaneously with this herb)
INDINAVIR SULFATE
St. |
Michael Friedman, ND
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 Hypericum perforatum
(St. john's wort)
Aids in neuropathy, both internally and externally
1 gq.d.
Eupatorium purpureum
(Gravel Root)
Aids in kidney function
1 gq.d.
Solidago canadensis
(Canadian Goldenrod)
Aids in kidney function
1 gq.d.
Vaccinum myrtillus (Bilberry)
Aids in eye function
1 gq.d.
Syzygium jambolana (Jambul Seed)
Antioxidant
1 gq.d.
Inositol
Replenishes inositol depletion from hyperglycemia induced sorbitol osmosis causing inositol excretion
2 gq.d.
Vitamin B-6
Aids in neuropathy
100 mg q.d.
Vitamin B-12
Aids in neuropathy
1000 meg q.d. |
| In addition, Hypericum perforatum (St john's wort), a nervine, was used to restore nerve function. Solidago canadensis (goldenrod) was used to help kidney function. Vaccinium myrtillus (billberry) was prescribed not only as a hypoglycemic but also as a tonic for the eyes to treat the glaucoma.
Mineral Supplementation
Mineral supplementation included a multi-mineral formula that was specifically tailored to aid in blood sugar metabolism. This included a daily dose of 600 meg chromium, 45 mg zinc, and 150 meg selenium.
Diet
Her diet was considered good in the conventional medical paradigm. |
| Certain medications, including antidepressants (St. john's wort) and salicylates (white willow and aspirin), can enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of Gymnema sylvestre, whereas certain stimulants such as ephedra (Ma Huang) may reduce its effectiveness. The antidiabetic ability of this herb may be decreased by concomitant use of acetazolamide, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, dextrothyroxine, epinephrine, ethanol, glucagon, guanethidine, and marijuana. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
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 John's wort since discontinuing hormone replacement therapy. It has relieved many symptoms, including sleeplessness, stress, and fits of temper."
• • •
NEURONTIN
Another approach that may help some women who are suffering with hot flashes is an anticonvulsant drug called Neurontin (gabapen-tin). Pilot studies show that 900 milligrams daily of Neurontin reduces both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, and that it works better than placebo. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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| Phase I studies of hypericin, the active compound in St. john's wort, as an antiretroviral agent in HIV-infected adults. AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocols 150 and 258. Ann Intern Med 1999, 130, (6), 510-514.
71. Kizil, G.; Toker, Z.; Ozen. H. C; Aytekin, C, The antimicrobial activity of essential oils of Hypericum scabrum, Hypericum scabroides and Hypericum triquetrifolium. Phytother Res 2004, 18, (4), 339-341; Schempp, C. M; Pelz, K.; Wittmer, A.; Schopf, E.; Simon, J. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
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 Side effects
St. john's wort preparations should not be used in cases of known photosensitivity.
6.3 Dose and Mode of administration
Pour about 150 ml boiling water over 1— 2 teaspoonfuls of St. john's wort. Steep for about 10 min and then pass through a tea strainer.
Unless otherwise prescribed, drink 1-2 freshly prepared cups of tea regularly in the morning and evening.
6.4 Duration of use
Regular use for several weeks or months is normally required before the effect takes place.
6.5 Storage
Store protected from light and moisture. |
Amarjit S. Basra
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| Most antidepressants are synthetic compounds, but the use of St. john's wort herb Hypericum perforatum L. has grown considerably in recent years as a herbal treatment for mild to moderate depression. Although the herb has been known for centuries, it was mainly used for other purposes such as wound healing, and its current popular use does not have a very strong traditional base, although the plant was reputed to ward off evil spirits—a property which might indicate some psychological effects. |
| A recent three-way study claimed that St. john's wort has no effect in major depression but it has been pointed out that the standard drug used in the study also showed no significant effect.20 The chemical basis for the observed clinical effects is still not completely elucidated, although the monoamine oxidase inhibitory effects of the flavonoids, and possibly the naphthodione hypericin, and the serotonin reuptake inhibitor phloridzin, are considered to play major parts in the overall effect. |
| C, Antibacterial activity of hyperforin from St john's wort, against multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram-positive bacteria. Lancet 1999, .353, (9170), 2129.
72. Amaro-Luis. J. M.; Adrian, M.; Diaz, C, Isolation, identification and antimicrobial activity of ombuoside from Stevia triflora. Ann Pharm Fr 1997, 55, (6), 262-268.
73. Mitscher, L. A.; Telikepalli, H., Bioassay-directed discovery of natural product leads. Antibacterials and antifungals from unusual sources. In Advances in natural product chemistry, ed. Atta-ur-Rahman. Harwood Academic Publishers: Basel, 1992, pp. 281-310. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 Saint John's Wort
_(Antimicrobial/Anti-Depressant)
Saint john's wort is the common name for a family made up of about two hundred species of herbs, the best known of which is called Hypericum perforatum. St. john's wort had never been, prior to 1988, a major star in the world of medicinal herbs. In fact, because it grows as an aggressive weed, many have considered it to be quite a nuisance. Hypericum infestation of the pasture and range lands of California led to serious financial losses in 1930. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| Kava or St. john's wort capsules, tablets, or tincture for stress and anxiety.
• Chromium picolinate tablets (200 meg) to balance blood sugar.
• Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy, to prevent the flu. Open one tube, pour it into your mouth, and suck on the contents until gone (it's tiny sugar pellets). Since this is a homeopathic remedy, it is important not to consume caffeine, menthol, or peppermint within 30 minutes of taking it. Take every six hours. If it doesn't work after three tubes ifs probably not going to. Oscillococcinum's action is fast and dramatic when it works. |
| Soothing herbal teas such as chamomile, skullcap, and passionflower can be helpful, and when necessary, you can use the more powerful antianxiety and antidepressant herbs St. john's wort or kava.
Treating Arthritis Pain Naturally
Sometimes you can take care of arthritis naturally, covering all your bases with nutrition and exercise, and still get a painful flare-up that leaves permanent damage to joints. Mary is a good example. |
| And, you guessed it, those taking the prescription antidepressants suffered from drowsiness, constipation, and dry mouth, while those taking St. john's wort reported no side effects.
Healing Headache Pain Naturally
Headaches are a source of pain that bothers all of us at some time or another, but they can almost always be avoided with a bit of alertness to what might bring them on. Of course nobody outside of yourself can help you solve the problem of "too much" headaches, as in too much alcohol, sugar, staying up late, TV watching, or Internet surfing. |
| If you are experiencing a lot of anxiety in the week or so prior to surgery, you can use the antianxiety herb St. john's wort or the relaxant herb valerian to help you through. Follow the directions on the container and don't overdo it, please. Chamomile tea, a milder soothing agent, is a good thing to keep on hand during this time.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
The two biggest challenges of surgery for your body, besides that of healing the actual wound, are the threat of infection and the stress on your liver. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Aufmerksamkeit und Reaktionsvermogen bleiben erhalten" [St. john's wort Extract in the Ambulatory Therapy of Depression: Attention and Reaction Ability are Preserved], Fortschr. Med. 111, no. 19 (July 10, 1993): 339-42.
A study compared the antidepressive and anxiety-relieving effects of a valerian root and St. john's wort extract to those of amitriptyline. Results showed the herbal extract to be as effective as the amitriptyline, prompting the authors to argue for the use of phy-tomedicines (plant-derived medicines) in the treatment of depression and mood disorders.
K. O. Hiller and V. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 Hyperici herba, St john's wort).
Other extracts
These are extracts generally accepted to be pharmacologically active. However, the constituents responsible for this activity are not known and consequently quality markers have to be defined. These give information on the overall quality of the phytomedicine for control purposes and may be used to monitor good manufacturing practice, but cannot be used as evidence that the relevant active compounds are present in sufficient amounts or not. Examples:
• Crataegus aerial parts (Crataegi folium cum flore, hawthorn).
• Passiflora incarnata L. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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 JOHN'S WORT The oil form of an herb known as St. john's wort has been used by people with arthritis to lessen the pain of this affliction, as well as that of rheumatism.
SPIKENARD The Cherokee Indians make the powdered root of the Aralia racemosa ("spikenard" — also called "Indian root" and "life-of-man") into a tea to treat rheumatoid arthritis. They also pound the root and apply it as a poultice to painful areas of the body.
WlLLOW For thousands of years, the bark of the willow tree has been used to treat arthritis. |
| The fruit, which can be found seasonably in most grocery stores, can be cooked in water or wine, baked in a cake or pie, or made into jellies and candy.
Sr. john's wort The oil form of an herb known as St. john's wort has been used by people with arthritis to lessen the pain of this affliction, as well as that of rheumatism.
SPIKENARD The Cherokee Indians make the powdered root of the Aralia racemosa ("spikenard" — also called "Indian root" and "life-of-man") into a tea to treat rheumatoid arthritis. They also pound the root and apply it as a poultice to painful areas of the body. |
| John's wort For minor burns, many people use the oil form of St. john's wort, which can be gently dabbed on the injury to promote healing. slippery elm Slippery elm is a food and a medicine that American Indians used for a variety of ailments. Today, slippery elm powder is made from either the inner or outer bark of the red elm tree. Mix the powder with water to make a poultice and apply. The soothing, healing properties come, in part, from the high mucilage content.
Vitamin A Vitamin A is an antioxidant, which can speed healing. |
| John's wort In oil form, St. john's wort is believed to have antibacterial and astringent properties when used topically to treat cuts.
Sassafras The sassafras root is an effective wound treatment. Boil the root in water and bathe your wound in the steam. The volatile oil in sassafras is both a painkiller and an antiseptic.
DANDRUFF
Dandruff is not a disease. It's a normal function of your skin which occurs when your scalp sheds dead cells. White flakes fall as new cells are pushed up from deeper skin layers. |
| John's wort is now used in Europe as a natural antidepressant. St. John's wort's red color comes from a compound called hypericine, which research has shown to be effective in reducing
Helpful Hints
Researchers have found some simple ways that you can help protect yourself from depression.
¦ Eliminate sugars and refined foods from your diet. Sweeten foods with a limited amount of fructose. And drink fruit juices which have been diluted 50 percent with water.
¦ Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and foods which contain chemical additives like colorings, preservatives or artificial flavorings. |
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