Hypericum perforatum, an ancient medicine used to effectively treat some of the most prevalent diseases of today’s world – depression and chronic inflammation. This plants medical potential has been known for centuries, mentioned as far back as 288 BC. During these times it was claimed to be usefull for everything from external use against poisonous reptiles demons. Although obviously these claims are false due to a lack of adequate scientific tools to examine the real potential of the plant once considered do make a lot of sense. The use against reptiles can be somewhat explained by its observed anti-inflammatory activity – it might have been used to make a bite look less horrific (although nothing was actually done to curb the effects of the poison). Furthermore, the claim that Hypericum chases away demons can be interpreted metaphorically, and once done so we realize that the demons chased away are internal aka depression.
This plant exerts its effect mainly through an up regulation of 5-HT(2) (a type of serotonin receptors) and a down regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors as shown by in vivo experiments (weak inhibition of MOA(B;A) can also be seen [1]. Both the serotonin and adrenergic receptors play a key role in the increase of exploratory activity. Other than these effects, in vitro tests show affinity for GABA(A), GABA(B) and receptors which play an important role in among other things anxiety as well as glutamate and adenosine receptors which play an important role in wakefulness and cortical activation. In clinical tests on its efficacy against depression it has been shown to be superior to placebo and just as effective at popular antidepressants with fewer side effects [2].
Another interesting property of this plant is its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic as well as anti-viral activity. An ethanolic extract is especially useful for this purpose. Because of this reason it can be used as an addition to common anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin. It exerts its effect through COX-1 inhibition like many widely used medicines and an inhibition of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase – an enzyme which reacts with a precursor to many inflammatory substances. However caution should be exercised while consuming any type of extract of this plant, water or otherwise. It has been shown to decrease efficacy of anticoagulants (warfarin), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin) as well as oral contraceptives. It has been reported as a possible cause of unintended pregnancy and is very obviously an indirect possible cause of increased seizures. It can also lead to excess CNS serotonin concentrations when mixed with other serotonin agonists – increasing their side effects. It is also known to interact with antiretroviral medications as well as immune suppressants (indinavir, cyclosporine) through its inhibition of liver enzymes c P450.
Just another thought before enjoying some of the best things nature has to offer.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12775192
[2]http://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/Abstract/2001/09000/A_systematic_review_and_meta_analysis_of_Hypericum.1.aspx