Effectiveness
Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) has been shown over recent years to be just as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorders, without the usual, sometimes quite distressing side effects. (BMJ, 1999;319:1534-38; International Clinical psycho-pharmacology 2000, vol 15, number 2: pages :61-68)

Safety
During the last 18 months it has also been widely reported that Hypericum, because of its distinct action on the body, can cause the liver to become more efficient. This effect, which is simply a part of normal life, involves the stimulation of liver enzymes and results in the liver processing and eliminating unwanted material more quickly, a situation much to be desired. Summer barbecues, with their charcoal grilled foods and the occasional glass of red wine which many people enjoy, will have exactly the same effect on the liver.

However, these concerns were raised because for people taking Hypericum alongside synthetic drugs, this increased elimination process can result in there being a lower level of certain drugs in their blood streams than would otherwise be the case. Such medicines include Warfarin, the Contraceptive Pill, Digoxin and also immunosuppressants prescribed following organ transplantation.

Best Advice
This detoxifying effect will come as no surprise to clinicians. Indeed many treatments affect liver function and in a number of drugs, amongst them the most popular antidepressants, the effect on the liver is the exact opposite to that of Hypericum – they reduce the detoxification process, thus slowing down the liver’s natural cleansing mechanism. Once aware of these effects, doctors can prescribe an appropriate dosage to suit the patient’s requirements.

To ensure that everyone is aware of this possible effect, the UK Medicines Control Agency requires that products containing Hypericum perforatum should carry an advisory message directing anyone on medication to ensure that they seek the advice of their healthcare professional before taking this natural antidepressant.

Hypericum continues to be a very useful and safe herb to use. However, particularly if you are using other medication, it is best that you discuss the situation with your doctor or healthcare professional if you wish to benefit from this herb’s natural gifts.