St. John’s wort

Ingredient

What is St. John’s Wort?

Where does it come from?

Why is it used?

What are the benefits?

Bibliography

What is St. John's Wort?

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant. The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills and teas. It contains many chemicals that act on brain messengers that regulate mood. This popular herbal medicine is often used to alleviate the symptoms of depression. People have been using St. John’s wort for centuries.

Where does it come from?

St. John’s wort is a plant native to Europe with yellow star-shaped flowers; it gives its name to Jean Baptiste. The plant generally begins to flower around the feast day of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

    Why is it used?

    A Cochrane systematic review found that St. John’s wort may be effective in treating major depression. (Linde et al., 2008)
    An analysis of 35 studies concluded that St. John’s Wort reduced symptoms of mild to moderate depression more than a placebo and similarly to prescription antidepressants. (Apaydin et al., 2016)
    An analysis of 27 studies determined that St. John’s wort had similar effects to antidepressants on mild to moderate depression. These researchers also noted that fewer people stopped taking St. John’s wort, compared to antidepressants. (Ng et al., 2017)
    Another study indicates that St. John’s wort may be effective in treating wounds, bruises, burns and wounds. (Yücel et al., 2017)
    St. John’s wort contains several chemicals, including hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids.
    Researchers don’t know exactly how St. John’s wort works. Some have suggested that the herb acts as an SSRI, increasing the availability of brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve mood.

    What are the benefits?

    This millennial plant has restful, relaxing, soothing virtues…
    In infusion, it can promote sleep and improve its quality, like chamomile. The active compounds of St. John’s wort help to fight against restless (or interrupted) sleep as well as insomnia.

    This ingredient is used in:

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    Bibliography

    1. Apaydin, EA, Maher, AR, Shanman, R., Booth, MS, Miles, JNV, Sorbero, ME, & Hempel, S. (2016). A systematic review of St. John’s worth for major depressive disorder. Systematic Reviews, 5(1), 148. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-016-0325-2
    2. Linde, K., Berner, MM, & Kriston, L. (2008). St John’s wort for major depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd000448.pub3
    3. Ng, QX, Venkatanarayanan, N., & Ho, CYX (2017). Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, 211-221.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048
    4. Yücel, A., Kan, Y., Yesilada, E., & Akın, O. (2017). Effect of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) oily extract for the care and treatment of pressure sores; a case report. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 196, 236-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.030