St. Johns Wort
Scientific name of St. John's Wort:
Hypericum perforatum
Action of St. John's Wort:
Supports a healthy neurotransmitter balance
St. John's Wort is used for these common wellness concerns:
Depressed mood and mild to moderate mood changes caused by everyday stress; occasional nervousness, nervous tension, and anxiety
Clarocet products with St. John's Wort:
ClarocetNRI, ClarocetERT, ClarocetCS, Clarocet Junior
The
Science and Pharmacology of St. John's Wort
Contemporary research has identified a variety of medicinal compounds from the aerial (above ground) portions of the St. John's Wort plant. There are at least ten (10) phytochemical constituents which are thought to contribute to Natural Reuptake Inhibition, the primary mechanism of action of SJW, including:
- Ad-hyperforin
- Dianthrone
- Hyperforin
- Hypericin
- Xanthones
- Flavonoids
Modern extracts of St. John’s Wort are typically standardized to 0.3% Hypericins, since it is this compound which is thought to be more stable than its counterpart, Hyperforin. Recent scientific research indicates that Hyperforin Extract, whether it is standardized to 3.0%, 5.0% or 10.0%, is highly unstable. Upon chemical analysis, St. John’s Wort extracts containing Hyperforin derivatives indicated evidence of a rapid breakdown. Further study concluded that regardless of the particular standardization amount, Hyperforin extracts decreased to their naturally occurring level of 3.0%~4.0% concentration or less in all cases.
Pharmacological analysis illustrates that Hyperforin clearly exhibits a broad spectrum effect on the Serotonergic, Dopaminergic, Noradrenic and GABA-ergic systems, but its action on the brain’s 5-HIAA and 5-HT levels appears to be significantly different from the action of traditional 5-HT re-uptake blockers.
Until recently it was believed that Hyperforin was primarily responsible for the emotional health benefits of St. John’s Wort. However, further laboratory analysis has revealed that all chemical components of St. John’s Wort are required in order to maximize the effects of Natural Reuptake Inhibition in the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Research shows that Hypericin, Flavonoids and Adhyperforin, important constituents derived from St. John’s Wort, are also potent uptake inhibitors of Serotonin, Dopamine and Noradrenalin. Additionally, St. John’s Wort has been demonstrated to inhibit GABA and L-glutamate uptake. Together, these compounds are believed to promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance in the brain. This effect is thought to provide positive support for a depressed mood and mild to moderate mood changes caused by everyday stress, occasional nervousness, nervous tension and anxiety.
