9 Best Benefits Of Hypericum Perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, is a flowering plant that has been widely used in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits.
The bioactive compounds responsible for its benefits include hyperforin and hypericin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The hypericum perforatum plant is particularly effective in reducing inflammation, preventing antioxidant deficiency, and treating mild to moderate depression due to its ability to modulate the neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain.
These benefits are attributed to the plant's high content of hyperforin and hypericin, which work synergistically to produce its therapeutic effects.
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According to Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, Hypericum perforatum ingestion may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation following exercise and meals due to its antioxidant properties.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Hypericum perforatum.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces inflammation
Hypericum perforatum reduces inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, thereby preventing tissue damage and promoting healing.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues such as arthritis, asthma, and even cancer, making it a vital aspect of maintaining overall well-being.
The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes, particularly hyperforin and hypericin, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Hypericum perforatum, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as capsules or tinctures, which can be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, or in tea form after proper brewing and steeping.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Infusion
- Extract
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
| Emodin | Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, eczema |
| Quercetin | Asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis |
| Kaempferol | Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, parkinson's disease |
| Naringenin | Pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcers |
2. Prevents antioxidant deficiency
Hypericum perforatum prevents antioxidant deficiency, which refers to a state where the body lacks sufficient antioxidants to counteract oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
This benefit is crucial as antioxidant deficiency has been linked to various health issues, such as accelerated aging, increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer, and impaired cognitive function.
The plant's ability to prevent antioxidant deficiency can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and naphthoquinones, particularly hyperforin and hypericin, which possess potent antioxidant properties.
To harness this benefit, Hypericum perforatum can be used in various herbal preparations, such as capsules, teas, or tinctures, with recommended dosages and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil extract
- Capsules extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents antioxidant deficiency.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases |
| Emodin | Inflammation, cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease |
| Quercetin | Allergic reactions, skin damage, eye disorders |
3. Treats depression
Hypericum perforatum treats depression by providing relief from symptoms of low mood, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, allowing individuals to regain their emotional balance and improve their overall well-being.
This benefit is crucial as depression can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting relationships, work performance, and even physical health, making it essential to find effective treatments.
The plant's antidepressant properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including hypericin and hyperforin, which have been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to its mood-elevating effects.
To harness the antidepressant benefits of Hypericum perforatum, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or tinctures, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as these products can vary in potency and quality.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Oil
- St. john's wort oil infusion
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats depression.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder |
| Emodin | Depressive episodes, anxiety attacks, mood swings |
| Ampelopsin | Seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, social anxiety disorder |
4. Reduces arthritis symptoms
Hypericum perforatum reduces arthritis symptoms, which refers to the plant's ability to alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
This benefit is important, as arthritis can greatly impact an individual's quality of life, limiting their ability to engage in physical activities and daily tasks, such as walking, climbing stairs, or even performing simple household chores.
The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and naphthoquinones, which work together to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.
To utilize Hypericum perforatum for its anti-arthritis benefits, one can take it in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules, tinctures, or topically apply its oil to affected areas, although it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a treatment.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces arthritis symptoms.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Naringenin | Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis |
| Hyperforin | Joint pain, swollen joints, reduced mobility |
| Quercetin | Inflammation, pain, stiffness |
5. Boosts immune system
Hypericum perforatum boosts immune system by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms, resulting in increased resistance to infections and diseases.
This benefit is crucial as a weakened immune system can lead to various health issues, such as increased susceptibility to illnesses like the flu, common cold, and even more severe conditions like autoimmune disorders.
The plant's immune-boosting properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including naphthodianthrones like hypericin and hyperforin, which exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of Hypericum perforatum, it is recommended to consume herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures made from the plant's dried flowers and leaves, ideally in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Capsules
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Malaria, tuberculosis, infectious diseases |
| N-acetyl hyperforin | Mononucleosis, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections |
| Quercetin | Inflammatory diseases, allergic reactions, viral infections |
| Kaempferol | Antiviral diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, septicemia |
6. Fights cancer cells
Hypericum perforatum fights cancer cells by selectively inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, thereby exerting its anti-cancer properties.
This benefit is crucial, as cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with various types such as breast, lung, and colon cancer affecting millions of people, making the fight against cancer a top priority in modern medicine.
The anti-cancer properties of Hypericum perforatum are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and naphthodianthrones, which have been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the anti-cancer properties of Hypericum perforatum, it is best to use it in the form of standardized herbal extracts, such as capsules or tinctures, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as these preparations provide a concentrated and bioavailable form of the plant's active constituents.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Tea
- Oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights cancer cells.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Colon cancer, breast cancer, leukemia |
| Empfterrol | Pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer |
| Kaempferol | Ovarian cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer |
| Quercetin | Colon cancer, breast cancer, leukemia |
| Naringenin | Pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer |
7. Lowers blood pressure
Hypericum perforatum lowers blood pressure by reducing the amount of force with which the heart pumps blood through the vessels, resulting in lower systolic and diastolic pressure readings.
This benefit is important because high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, making it a crucial aspect of maintaining overall cardiovascular health.
The plant's ability to lower blood pressure is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including hyperoside, quercetin, and rutin, which have been shown to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects.
To harness this benefit, Hypericum perforatum can be used in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules or tinctures, with a recommended daily dose of 300-500 mg standardized to 0.3-0.5% hypericin content.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperoside | Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy |
| Quercetin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
| Rutin | Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, cardiovascular disease |
8. Reduces risk of heart disease
Hypericum perforatum reduces risk of heart disease by lowering the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmias.
This benefit is crucial as heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually, with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking being significant contributing factors.
The plant's ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood lipid profiles can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and naphthodianthrones, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the heart-protective effects of Hypericum perforatum, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects in high doses.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces risk of heart disease.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Quercetin | Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, cardiac hypertrophy |
| N-feruloyltyramine | Thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, cardiac ischemia |
| Hyperoside | Cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac ischemia, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Kaempferol | Arteriosclerosis, cardiac ischemia, cardiac failure |
9. Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease
Hypericum perforatum reduces risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular-related events.
This benefit is crucial as cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people affected annually, resulting in significant economic and personal burdens.
The plant's ability to reduce cardiovascular risk is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including hyperforin and hypericin, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to protect blood vessels and improve blood lipid profiles.
To harness the cardiovascular benefits of Hypericum perforatum, it is best to use high-quality herbal preparations such as capsules or tinctures that have been standardized to contain a minimum of 2% hyperforin and 3% hypericin, and to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Extract
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Hypericum perforatum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, stroke |
| Empetrum | Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis |
| Quercetin | Hypertension, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, inflammation |