St. John's Wort Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract is derived from the flowering aerial parts of the plant Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John’s Wort. This extract contains several bioactive compounds, including hyperforin, hypericin, flavonoids, and tannins. It is widely used in traditional medicine and modern dietary supplements for its potential health benefits.

ENQUIRY!

Description

Product Name St. John’s Wort Extract
Appearance Brown Powder
Specification Hypericin 0.3%-0.5%, 1%-2%
Part Seed
Extraction Type Solvent Extraction
Application Food Ingredients, Natural Coloring

Function

  1. Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects:
    • John’s Wort Extract is well-documented for its antidepressant properties. It inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA), thereby increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft. This mechanism is similar to that of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used in conventional antidepressant therapy.
    • It also has mild inhibitory effects on enzymes like monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which further contribute to its antidepressant activity.
  2. Neuroprotective and Cognitive Benefits:
    • The extract has been shown to enhance cognitive function and improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. It may also have neuroprotective effects, making it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  3. Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral Properties:
    • John’s Wort Extract contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, which can help in managing conditions like hepatitis C and other viral infections. However, its efficacy in treating severe viral infections like HIV/AIDS is not well-established.
  4. Wound Healing and Skin Health:
    • Topical applications of St. John’s Wort Extract have been used to treat burns, wounds, and skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
  5. Menopausal and Premenstrual Syndrome Relief:
    • The extract is used to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, including hot flashes and mood swings.

Application

  1. Pharmaceuticals and Supplements:
    • John’s Wort Extract is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and tinctures, for treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Standardized extracts with specific concentrations of hyperforin and hypericin are commonly used in clinical settings.
  2. Topical Applications:
    • It is used in ointments and creams for treating skin conditions, burns, and wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
  3. Traditional Medicine:
    • John’s Wort has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, menstrual irregularities, and emotional disturbances.
  4. Research and Development:
    • Ongoing research is exploring the potential use of St. John’s Wort Extract in treating other neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as its interactions with conventional medications.