St. John’s wort

Synonyms in a broader sense

medical: Hypericum perforatum Folk name:

Hard hay
Bloodwort
Blood of St. John
Woundwort

Introduction

St. John’s wort in belongs to the group of plant remedies (phytopharmaceuticals). St. John’s wort is used especially in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It is also used as a medicine with few side effects in the treatment of asthma, gout, rheumatism and muscle pain.

Application in homeopathy

Essential oil, flavonoids, resins, tannins and rhodan. The most important active ingredient is hypericin, the red dye from the petals, also called hypericum red.

ManufacturerTrade names

Manufacturers are given as examples and were selected at random. We have no personal connection with any manufacturer! St. John’s wort Sandoz® 425 mg hard capsules | N2 60 tbl.

Effect of St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort leads to different effects in the human body depending on its use. Essentially the ingredients hyperforin and hypericin are responsible for this. When used in high doses internally, St. John’s wort works primarily at the synapses between two nerve cells of the central nervous system (CNS).

In order to transmit signals, a nerve cell releases various neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, which bind to receptors of another nerve cell and transmit the signal. Subsequently, the remaining neurotransmitters are broken down and reabsorbed into the nerve cells via transporters. Hyperforin non-selectively inhibits this reuptake of various neurotransmitters from the synapses into the nerve cells.

As a result, the signal transmission between two nerve cells is prolonged and strengthened. A simultaneous increase in the concentration of the transmitter serotonin due to the inhibited breakdown by the active ingredient hypericin contained in St. John’s wort is also being discussed. Among other things, a lack of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine) in the CNS is regarded as the cause of depression.

This deficiency can be counteracted by the targeted administration of St. John’s wort. The concentrations of these transmitters increase significantly in the course of therapy. In addition, higher levels of other transmitters (including dopamine, GABA, glutamate) are also seen.

When used externally, St. John’s wort is used for a wide range of diseases. It is often used to support the healing of wounds. The exact mechanism of action is not yet known.

There are discussions about a compression of the tissue by contained tanning agents and a consequently more difficult penetration of pathogens into the wound. Wounds should be able to heal faster as a result. In addition to their use to support wound healing, products containing St. John’s wort are also used to treat lumbago, gout and rheumatism. St. John’s wort can also be used to treat bruises or as an accompanying therapy for shingles.