As a result of a physical, chemical, or physiological relationship between a drug and a food, nutritional supplement, or simple medicinal plant, various desired or undesired influences may occur. Although the most clinically relevant drug-food interactions are not strictly limited to those with grapefruit juice and St. John’s wort extract, they are two of the most well-known and may be responsible for changes in plasma drug concentrations, which may lead to decreased effectiveness or even dangerous toxicity.
What effect does St. John’s wort have?
Some research shows that St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can help treat depression and other conditions on this spectrum. Although St. John’s wort is a natural remedy, this does not mean that it is a harmless preparation, experts warn that there are also some negative aspects of this herbal supplement.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide compared the adverse effects of St. John’s wort and a commonly used antidepressant drug in medical practice. The team used information from adverse effect reports made by doctors, and over 13 years only 84 cases of adverse effects related to St. John’s wort and 447 cases for the drug containing the active substance were reported. This seems encouraging, but reporting of adverse effects is voluntary so it is likely that these events are under-reported.
A 2016 meta-analysis of 35 studies concluded that St. John’s wort reduced symptoms of mild to moderate depression more than a placebo and similar to prescription antidepressants. Another analysis a year later came up with similar results, plus the observation that fewer people stopped taking St. John’s wort compared to those taking antidepressants.
What should we pay attention to?
St. John’s wort is an enzyme inducer, which means that this herb can make certain enzymes in our body work more actively or more intensively. These enzymes are involved in the process of metabolizing chemicals, including drugs.
For example, St. John’s wort might speed the breakdown of certain medications used to treat anxiety, depression, anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots), oral contraceptives, and anticonvulsants. Other drugs affected by the consumption of preparations based on St. John’s wort, whether it is a tea or a dietary supplement, are drugs used against the rejection of transplanted organs, some drugs used in heart disease, HIV or cancer treatment. This could lead to lower levels of these drugs in the blood, which could reduce their effectiveness in treating health problems.
Pregnant and lactating women have a contraindication to all preparations based on St. John’s wort, and people who are sensitive to sunlight should bear in mind that this plant can intensify photosensitivity.
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The effects of St. John’s wort on the body are not fully understood. Numerous active compounds in the supplement, including hypericin and hyperforin may be responsible for its medicinal benefits.
These compounds appear to increase levels of chemical messengers in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline that work to improve and regulate your mood. However, more research is needed. Regardless of the type of preparation based on St. John’s wort, whether it is a tea or a dietary supplement, consulting a doctor or pharmacist is highly recommended.
Valentina Ghimpau
Health from Dr. Farm. primary,
Thank you for reading me again!
Tags: Johns wort doubleedged sword
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