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St. John's wort

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Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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St. John's wort flowers contain its biologically active components hypericin and hyperforin.

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The claimed effect of St. John's wort

Strong scientific evidence supports the use of St. John's wort in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate depression and non-suicidal tendencies. The mechanism is unknown, but St. John's wort may increase CNS serotonin levels and, at very high doses, act as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

The dose is 300-600 mg orally once daily of the agent standardized to 0.2-0.3% hypericin, 1-4% hyperforin, or both (usually).

St. John's wort is thought to be useful in the treatment of HIV infection, but there is evidence of adverse drug interactions with protease inhibitors and reversible transcriptase inhibitors.

Adverse effects of St. John's wort

Photosensitivity, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, confusion, and mania (in patients with bipolar disorder) may occur.

Contraindications for the drug include pregnancy. Potential adverse effects may result from interactions with cyclosporine, digoxin, iron supplements, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, reversible transcriptase inhibitors, oral contraceptives, protease inhibitors, selective serotonin inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and warfarin.

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "St. John's wort" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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