by Michael Allen

Created on: September 19, 2008

As a medicine St. John's Wort has been used since the times of Greece (Umm). St. John's Wort can be used to treat 'nervous conditions' and can be taken as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the itching or burning feelings associated with small wounds or rashes. As well, St. John's Wort has proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of mild depression and alcohol addiction (Umm). In 2000, Health Canada released a warning that St. John's Wort hinders the performance of anti-depressant drugs; this herb has been shown to interfere with many other medical prescriptions.

The major active ingredient within the St. John's Wort is MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The fact that the MOAI inhibitor is able to regulate the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain simply means that a person will feel better over a longer period of time, as the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain stabilizes (Atheism). However, one of the side effects of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is the effect it has on increasing blood pressure. Tyramine a natural occurring substance within the body and its prevalence increases with the taking of St. John's Wort, along with blood pressure.

Other, drugs that St. John's Wort interferes with or affects are: Irinotecan (a chemotherapy drug), Reserpine (a high blood pressure drug), Theophylline (an asthma drug), SSRIs (a series of mood stabilizers) and several others. In most cases, St. John's Wort decreases the effectiveness; however, in other instances this drug has been known to increase the effects of medication. Although, St. John's Wort is a natural occurring substance, that is legal in both Canada and the United States, it is a drug that can be harmful if taken in large amounts. St John's Wort interference with other prescription medications means that it must be taken with caution. As well, potential side effects often occur. Side effects of taking St. John's Wort can include: stomach upset, the appearance of hives, fatigue, restlessness, headache, dry mouth and feeling of dizziness (Umm).

In some animal studies St. John's Wort has been shown to reduce the physiological cravings associated with alcohol consumption. St. John's Wort is known to improve mood. This increase in mood correlates with a decreased desire, for individuals, to self-medicate through the use of alcohol or drugs. While St. John's Wort has been proven to decrease the need for alcohol consumption, studies have yet to prove a decrease in an individual's desire for illegal drugs.

If taking a prescription medications with the intention of taking St. John's Wort consult with a medical professional or research the potential side effects of possible drug interactions.

Sources

St. John's Wort. 13 Sept. 2008 http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/stjohns-wort-0002 76.htm>.

http://atheism.about.com/library/glossary/pa ranormal/bldef_stjohnswort.htm

Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter . 13 Sept. 2008 .

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/carn -bcei_v10n3-eng.php

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