Does St John's Wort Work? - Information on Research and Studies

Despite its history and fame, many people still wonder, does St John's Wort work? Indeed the traditional wisdom of the St John's Wort plant is well supported, and the health benefits of St John's Wort for depression, anxiety and many other ailments go beyond mere anecdotal success.

St John's Wort for Depression, Anxiety, Mood and related areas

It is an established fact that St John's Wort contains two important chemical substances called hypericin and hyperforin. It was initially believed that one of these substances, hypericin, is the one responsible for St John's Wort's antidepressant properties.

However, contrary to the initial school of thought, recent research and clinical studies indicate that hyperforin, the neurotransmitter, along with flavonoids are mainly responsible for St John's Wort's antidepressant activities. Studies indicate that St John's Wort is effective as an antidepressant mainly because it increases the levels of hyperforin available to the brain.

There have been several clinical studies and research conducted on St John's Wort that clearly prove that this herb has the ability to increase the levels of existing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the main neurotransmitters to elevate the mood and contribute to the general feeling of euphoria.

The British Medical Journal recently reported that extracts of St John's Wort are more effective than placebo for the treatment of mild to moderately severe depressive disorders.

Well, so does St John's Wort work against depression-related conditions? You bet. Historically, among all herbs St John's Wort is the main one used for such ailments, and from available information, the evidence is definitely clear enough.

Recent reports and research conducted in Germany led them to refer to St John's Wort as the fastest rising star in herbal medicine. German physicians in 1994 prescribed over 66 million doses to over 22 million people. This exceeded Prozac prescriptions by eight fold. Yet, in countries like the United States, authorities continue to ramble on that St John's Wort does not work and is just a hoax or quackery. Isn't that just such a joke?

Alcohol and St John's Wort - Does St John's Wort work against Alcoholism too?

Apparently, yes. The famous journal "Alcohol Alcohol", published in the year 1999, indicated that St John's Wort has the ability to reduce alcohol craving.

St John's Wort as an Antiviral and Antibacterial Herb

Several other animal studies confirm that hypericin, which is one of the chemical substances found in St John's Wort, reacts against several strains of viruses like cytomegalovirus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, and herpes. St John's Wort acts against viruses by oxidation and its antiviral effect is stronger when exposed to light.

In 1999, a study reported that hyperforin, another of the chemical substances found in St John's Wort, has anti-bacterial properties and stops the growth of various strains of staphylococcus bacteria.

Researchers are currently investigating St John's Wort as an adjunct to other AIDS drugs that suppress H.I.V. production.

Does St John's Wort work? - Conclusion

There are ongoing clinical studies and research being conducted to establish more facts and evidence relating to the various natural health benefits of St John's Wort. In the course of the coming years, you can be sure that more of such healthful properties will be discovered and ascertained.

St John's Wort Pages | St John's Wort Information, History, and more | St John's Wort Dosage, Methods of Use and Preparation | Benefits of St John's Wort For Depression, Anxiety and other Ailments | Does St John's Wort Work? - Information on Research and Studies | St John's Wort Side Effects, Caution and Contradictions

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