INTRODUCTION

St Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant, it was first used medicinally in ancient Greece and by the Native Americans as a substance to induce abortion. It is also known as Klamath weed or Goat weed, however the more common name has arisen from the fact that the plant is harvested on St Johns day (24th June).

In more recent times it has gained a reputation as a natural remedy for depression and anxiety disorders however it is also said to have anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antiseptic properties. Whilst there have been many clinical studies that have reported its effectiveness in treatment of mild depression, there are few reliable studies that support the claims that it has pain relieving properties.

EFFECTS OF ST JOHNS WORT

Extracts of St Johns Wort contain a variety of chemicals, but most notably hyperforin and hypericin which are thought to be the most active components of the plant extract. In the human body these two chemicals are involved in numerous processes and play a significant role in the hormonal pathways which lead to the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite.

Hypericin is also believed to have an antibiotic effect. It is well documented that chronic pain can induce depression and that feelings of depression can reduce the bodys ability to cope naturally with pain.

It is therefore uncertain whether it is the antidepressant effects of St Johns Wort that have the pain relieving effect or whether the plant extract has stand alone pain relieving properties, either way it cannot be disputed that for some patients a reduction in pain has been felt whilst taking St Johns Wort.

It is vital that your doctor or specialist is consulted before taking St Johns Wort as it has been found to interact with a variety of drugs and aggravate a number of conditions.

Terry O’Brien
Back Trouble UK.
www.backtrouble.co.uk

REFERENCES

Abdel-Salam O.M. (2005) Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and gastric effects of Hypericum perforatum in rats. Scientific World Journal. 5, 8 Aug 2005, pp. 586-95.

Dworkin R. H, Gitlin M. J. (1991) Clinical aspects of depression in chronic pain patients. Clin J Pain. Jun 1991, 7, (2), pp. 79-94.