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ST. JOHN'S WORT-Hypericum perforatum

Constituents

DIANTHRONES
-hypericin  (tranquilizer, tonic antidepressant )
-pseudohypericin
CAROTENOIDS
TANNINS -  (antidiarrhetic, bactericide, viricide)
PECTIN  - (antitussive, antihypercholesterolemic)
RESINS
FLAVONOIDS (capillary-strengthening, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antitumor, antidiarrheal, dilates blood vessels)
  - isoquercetin
- quercitin
- quercetrin
- rutin
PHYTOSTEROLS
- beta-sitosterol
XANTHONES
PHENOLIC CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
-caffeic acid - (antitumor,  choleretic, hepatotropic)
-chlorogenic acid - (choleretic)
-ferulic acid - (antitumor, choleretic, hepatotropic)
-gentisic acid - (analgesic, diaphoretic. - sodium salt antiinflammatory)
ALKANES AND ALKANOLS
PHLOROGLUCINOL DERIVATIVES
-hyperforin - (antiinflammatory, antispasmodic)
CHOLINE - (lipotropic)
NICOTINAMIDE
ESSENTIAL OILS
-Monoterpenes
   - -alpha-pinene - (expectorant)
   - -beta-pinene - (expectorant)
   - -limonene
   - -myrcene (obtained by pyrolysis of beta-pinene)
  -Sesquiterpenes
-caryophyllene
-humulene
COUMARINS
- umbelliferone
- scopoletin)

CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs pages 242-243

"Formerly used as a source of the antidepressant, hypericin, also known as hypericum red. Hypericum red dyes wool and silk deep violet red. Very small quantities appear to have a tonic and tranzuilizing action on the human organism. Blossom, capsule, leaf, and stalk are said to be antibiotic (patented as a possible food preservative). The Greek name Hypericum means "over an apparition" in the belief that the herb was so obnoxious to evil spirits that only a whiff would cause them to fly away. Aqueous extracts inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of late the herb tea and the olive-oil floral extract have gained new popularity in Europe for anuria, anxiety, depression, gastritis, and unrest; the oil extract also used externally to promote healing and reduce hemorrhoids and inflammation.
In the Hrtwell file, there are 14 references to this species as a folk remedy for cancer, for hard breast, carcinoma, indolent ulcers, uterine and stomach cancers, ovary carcinoma, lymph tumors including five cases "cured". Tests by the National Cancer Institute indicate little promise against cancer. The plant is described as anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, resolvent, sedative, stimulant, vermifuge,  and vulnerary. Said to be used in bladder troubles, bronchitis, catarrh, consumption, diarrhea, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, enuresis, hemoptysis, hemorrhage, hysteria, insomnia, jaundice, nervous depression, neurasthenia, neuralgia, oliguria, phthisis, piles, rabies, sciatica, and worms. Used for chronic catarrh of the bowels, lungs, or urinary passages. Russians recommend it for bronchial asthma. An aqueous herb extract has been applied as a hair restorer. For bedwetting, children were once given the tea at bedtime. Oils in which the plant has been boiled are applied externally for gout and rheumatism.

Oleum hyperici, an infusion of the fresh flowers in olive oil, is applied externally to sores, ulcers and wounds. Though internally it could cause photosensitization, it is said to be valued externally as a sunburn oil.
Oleum hyperici has been recommended as a cosmetic skin tightener. Homeopaths prescribe the tincture for adenitis, asthma, bites, breast ailments, brain concussion, bruise, bunion, compound fracture, corn, coxalgia, diarrhea, gunshot wounds, headache, hemorrhoids, hydrophobia, hypersensitivity, impotence, labor, mental ailments, neuralgia, panaritium, paralysis, rheumatism, scars, sciatica, spastic paralysis, spinal concussion, spinal irritation, stiff neck, tetanus ulcerations, whooping cough, and wounds.

Hypericin yields are 0.095 to 0.466%. Flowers may contain as much as 2400 mg/kg.
Stems contain 3.8% tannin,
leaves 12.4%,
flowers 16.2%,
and whole herb 8.2 to 9.3%. Dry seeds contain 18.1 to 20.7% protein, 32.8 to 33.2% fat. Seeds also contain 39.5 mg vitamin C, 16.5 mg carotene, 12.1 g tannin, 0.33 g volatile oil per 100 g, as well as little saponin and the glucoside hyperin.
The herb itself is said to contain choline, rutin, glucosides, tannin, phobaphene, pectin, beta-sitosterol, alkaloids, a fixed oil in addition to the volatile oil, 0.13% vitamin C, up to 13 mg/100 g vitamin A, and various pigments. The fixed oil contains glycerides of stearic, palmitic, and myristic acids, ceryl oil, phytosterol, and two hydrocarbons. The volatile oil contains pinene, cineol, myrcene, cadinene, gurjunene, hypericin, and esters of isovalerianic acid.
Flowers contain the carotenoids lutein, violaxanthin, luteoxanthin, cistrollixanthin, and trollichrome.

TOXICITY. In sheep, may cause shedding of wool, swelling of the face, generalized skin irritation, loss of appetite, and sometimes loss of eyesight.
Cattle may be more susceptible than sheep to the toxicity.
Mice show severe, even fatal, photodynamic effects following doses of 0.2 to 0.5 mg. Illustrations of animals poisoned by photosensitization are quite dramatic. Perhaps hypericin should be investigated in the treatment of psoriasis, like some of the psoralens."

Obviously this type of information may be too complex for the consumer to be interested in. However, this type of compilation can be invaluable in assessing efficacy and dosages recommended by various manufacturers of St. John's Wort products.

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