St. John’s Wort Extract

Latin Name:  Hypericum perforatum L.

Synonyms--- Hypericum perforatum, St Johns wort, Common St Johns wort, Tiptons Weed, Chase-devil, Klamath weed.

Plant part used: Aerial parts in blossom

Active Ingredient: Hypericins, Hyperforin

Type: Herbal Extract

Test Method: HPLC

Appearance: Dark brown to brownish-black fine powder

Hypericin:

Molecular Formula: C₃₀H₁₆O₈

Molecular weight: 504.44

Molecular Structure:

Appearance Black crystals

Melting 320℃

Solubility Ethanol, Ethanol, Dichloromethane

CAS Number: 548-04-9

Hyperforin:

Molecular Formula: C₃₅H₅₂O₄

Molecular weight: 536.78

Molecular Structure:

Solubility: 0.25 mg/mL in methanol, solution 

CAS Number: 11079-53-1

What is St Johns wort?

St Johns wort (pronounced to rhyme with ’skirt’) is a herb that has been used as a folk medicine for hundreds of years, for mental health problems and for healing wounds. Today, it is mainly used for depression, mild anxiety, and sleep problems.

Its botanical name is Hypericum perforatum, and you may see it marketed as ‘Hypericum’ (this comes from the Greek, meaning greatest health). The active ingredient for depression is called hypericin.It also contains hyperforin which has antibiotic properties.

Function:

1. Antidepressant activity

2. Antiviral activity (Anti-bird-flu-H₅N₁-and-H₉N₂)

3. Antibacterial activity

4. Antioxidant

5. Treatwounds, abrasions, and first degree burns

6. Treatment of certain somatoform disorders,

7. May treat alcoholism

8. May treat Parkinsons disease

Dosage

• The typical dose is 900-1500mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).

• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

Safety

St. John’s Wort extract is safe and generally well tolerated, no side effects have been reported to date, but relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.