St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). An old medicinal plant with actual significance

Abstract: The significance of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for medicinal use in depressive disorders depends on the unique composition of its constituents. Typical compounds are the naphthodianthrones or hypericins, a phloroglucinol-derivative and a specific pattern of flavonoids. Hypericin and flavonoids in vitro show effects which are similar to those of antidepressants and are inhibitors of type A monoamine-oxidase. The good clinical results of St. John's wort has been documented by a large number of reports, double-blind chlinical trials as well as studies comparing the effect of hypericum with that of synthetic antidepressants. Therefore in the treatment of depressive disorders Hypericum perforatum is an equally effective drug as the synthetic antidepressants with hardly any side-effects.

Keyword(s): Hypericum perforatum

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