Medicinal constituents: Flavonoids, xanthones and naphthodinathrone (Hypericin). Mechanism of action of St John's wort is not completely understood yet; it is believed to stimulate cholinergic system in central nervous system.
Uses: To treat depression and anxiety and sleep disorders.
Availability: St John's wart extract is available as standardized hypericin extracts and capsules.
Side effects: Increased sensitivity to sunlight. Insomnia, irritability, anxiety and gastrointestinal disturbances
Drug interactions: Possible interactions noted with: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) Oral contraceptive pills Digoxin Protease inhibitors used for the treatment of HIV
Cautions: Talk with your doctor before using St John's wart. Discuss your other health problems and medications you are taking. Do not take without talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding.
First, do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Second, be aware of potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, headaches, stiff neck and hair loss.
Third, St John's wort contains Hypercin, and many products mix adversely with hypercin, causing nausea and vomiting. DO NOT take the following if taking St John's wort: antidepressants, asthma medications, Coumadin, diet pills, decongestants, hay fever meds, pain meds among others; in fact, if you are on ANY prescription medication, consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking St John's Wort; it is IMPERATIVE that you check for any potential drug-herb interactions.
Potential drug interactions with St John's Wort may occur with anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, benzodiazepines, digoxin, immune suppressant drugs, methadone, theophylline among others; thus the importance of checking carefully with your doctor and pharmacist cannot be overstated before taking St. John's Wort, if you are taking prescription medication.
Combining St John's Wort with prescription antidepressants can cause serotonin syndrome, a rare, but extremely serious medical condition. Onset of symptoms is sudden, and includes mental confusion, headache, agitation, excess sweating, shivering, fever, rapid heart beat, muscle twitching, tremor....the condition warrants IMMEDIATE medical attention- if you know of someone who takes antidepressants and also takes St John's Wort, please notify them to contact their doctor immediately and about the risks of serotonin syndrome. You may be the one person to provide them with this life-saving information. While serotonin syndrome is rare, it is potentially life-threatening; it speaks to the need of avoiding too much serotonin, as caused by the combination of St John's Wort and most prescription antidepressants.
DO NOT eat the following foods while taking St John's wort: coffee, salami,smoked or pickled foods, yogurt, any alcohol, chocolate.
Avoid exposure to the sun on St John's wort- it increases sun sensitivity.
Do NOT use St John's wort while taking Oral Contraceptives- St John's wort may diminish the effectiveness of the oral contraceptives
DO NOT use if any history of mania or hypomania
DO NOT use with any history of seizures- St John's wort may lower the seizure threshold.
In fact, new information on safety precautions and drug-herb interactions is being published all the time; it's a great idea to spend some time discussing potential precautions with your doctor and your pharmacist before embarking on a trial of St John's Wort or other over the counter supplements.
Summary: St John's Wort can be used safely when precautions for use are adhered to. Individuals using St. John's wort are strongly advised to adhere to safety precautions; in fact, it is in all of our best interests to read and study about all the supplements and prescription medications that we take.
Both Juble.com & Mary F. Zesiewicz, Md are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Mary F. Zesiewicz, Md has sinced written about articles on various topics from Parenting, Addictions and Cure Anxiety. Mary F. Zesiewicz, MD, serves as Chief Medical Officer of INTEGRITY HEALTH SOLUTIONS, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the transformation of health care through research, relief and education. To learn more, please visit:. Mary F. Zesiewicz, Md's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.