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Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herbA
plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential
therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds,
stems, and roots. St. John's wort--common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information. St. John's
wort is a plant with yellow flowers.
Common Names--St. John's wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed
Latin Name--Hypericum perforatum
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What It Is Used For
- St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.
- In
ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a
treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect
bites.
- Today, St. John's wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.
How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John's wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.
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What the Science Says
- There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is
useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large
studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more
effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate
severity.
- NCCAM is studying the use of St. John's wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.
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Side Effects and Cautions
- St. John's wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness,
gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.
- Research
shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects
the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it
may speed or slow a drug's breakdown. Drugs that can be affected
include:
- Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
- Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
- Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
- Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
- Warfarin and related anticoagulants
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
- When
combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase
side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.
- St.
John's wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is
not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have
depression should see a health care provider. There are effective
proven therapies available.
- It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplementA
product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals,
amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement
the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling
requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not
drugs. you are using, including St. John's wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John's Wort and the Treatment of Depression. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.
St. John's Wort. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.
St. John's wort. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359–366.
De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046–2056.
Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287(14):1807–1814.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
CAM on PubMed
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus
St. John's Wort Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-stjohnswort.html
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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
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NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not
intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your
primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. | NCCAM Publication No. D269
July 2005
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/
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