As I have tirelessly/tiresomely stated (on this and any other lists that won't toss me) I would like to see herbs used, gathered, known about and dispensed locally. And it even works as a muscle relaxant in some people. When used topically, St. John's wort may cause a skin rash. Contraindications: St. John’s wort is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Kako MDN, Al-Sultan II, Saleem AN. Hypericin itself, however, is clearly phototoxic. Kasper and Schulz reviewed efficacy and safety from 20 controlled clinical trials (a total of 1,787 patients) of the standardized hypericum extract approved for the treatment of depression in Austria and Germany.8 The authors concluded that the effective dosage of the currently used extract is 600-900 mg/d, and that the risk of photosensitization was without clinical relevance at the recommended dosages. Have someone who can help you gauge your illness objectively (ha) or at least tell you if you've fallen off the fence. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 1999;12:299-304. There is a wide range of susceptibility to phototoxic effects of drugs, and there is clearly a dose-related effect. Based on animal and human experimental studies, Schulz et al estimates that it would take approximately 30-50 times the recommended dose of 900 mg/d of the standardized extract to produce severe phototoxic effects in humans.9 However, the Schulz book misstates the hypericin plasma level to be 50 mcg/mL rather than 50 ng/mL. I suspected that incidents of phototox could be found somewhere, just couldn't come up with them. There was no correlation between total hypericin plasma concentrations and photosensitivity. Topical St. John’s wort preparations appear to have low potential for photosensitization. Posted by Jay on June 02, 1999 at 08:40:48 My doctor prescribed Paxil for mild depression/anxiety. A calming herb that grows all over disturbed areas...hmmmmm. If you crush the flowers between your fingers, it will leave a rusty reddish stain. In the multiple dose segment, 50 volunteers received 600 mg hypericum extract tid (twice the normal recommended dose) with a daily dose of 5.6 mg of total hypericin. 9 Finally, a report suggests that regular use of St. John's wort might also increase the risk of sun-induced cataracts. > But in my eyes it seems to have an affinity for the nerves. If you wish to pursue this depressing subject further, start with the excellent newsletter, RACHEL'S ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH WEEKLY, put out on the net weekly by the Environmental Research Foundation, available from , or , and the WWW site: . "~ St. Joan’s/John's wort oil protects my skin from radiation damage. If you have a condition such as lupus or are taking medication that can cause photosensitivity (such as some acne medications), review the risks and benefits of taking St. John's wort with your doctor or pharmacist. 4. 2000 Mar 20;172(6):302. 10. >And this even tempered plant grows in disturbed places...roadsides, lots, loves it when its been bulldozed a year or so ago. --and especially-- An in vitro study utilizing fetal calf serum indicates that pseudohypericin is more photoactive than hypericin. For most fair-skinned people receiving high doses of St. John’s wort, the extent of photosensitivity is a slight reduction in the minimum tanning dose. No eye problems have been reported in any of the many trials involving St. John’s wort. Hypericin levels in human serum and interstitial skin blister fluid after oral single-dose and steady-state administration of Hypericum perforatum extract (St. John’s wort). [Reversible increase in photosensitivity to UV-B caused by St. John's wort extract]. 5. These hypericins are photoactive quinones that produce singlet oxygen and free radicals when exposed to light. Alban Berg died in the late 30s before finishing "Lulu"...Steve Berg is a living NFL quarterback. So I have begun taking 300 mg of St Johns Wort, 3 times a day -- along with some other supplements. Photooxidation of lens alpha-crystallin by hypericin. Without exposure to sunlight....the herbs anti-viral effect dropped markedly. Most AIDS patients feel much better when taking hypericum, probably because of the antidepressant effect -- depression is probably the least often mentioned symptom of AIDS. These levels are far below hypericin levels that are estimated to be phototoxic by these investigators (> 100 mcg/mL). This is because direct sunshine during the hottest part of the day can actually burn it. Answer: Photosensitization is unusual when it comes to St. John’s Wort. St John’s wort has been shown to have very low toxicity but a photosensitivity condition called hypericism has been recorded in animals. The species name “perforatum” refers to the fact that the leaves of the plant are “perforated” or appear to have tiny holes which can only be seen on close inspection. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1994;7(Suppl 1):S47-S53. From this experience I learned that lesson that we seem to learn over and over again-that the land "lords" will take our very own words, concepts, and ideas and turn them into their own rhetoric. ALSO: I just got 88 pages of bumpf from NAPRALERT on Hypericum and thereisn't a single mention of phototoxicity - so it seems that apart from a couple of anectdotal cases its not an issue as Michael Peggy Howie et aial say .... just keep away from the ultra sound gel in the solarium, Further to the Wort being a lover of roadsides etc Howie, it was widely distributed through Europe in Roman times by marching legionaries, who also used it soothe their sore feet. Alternatively, an infusion in olive oil can also be used. 7. To say that you are studying Western modalities of health care is not very popular right now, but I am also convinced that herbs "used, known about, gathered, and dispensed locally" are, for environmental, spiritual, cultural, and economic reasons, the way to go. Answer: Photosensitization is unusual when it comes to St. John’s Wort. Kasper S, Schulz V. [High dose St. John’s wort extract as a phytogenic antidepressant]. Insomnia 11. There is really only one cause for St John’s wort poisoning and that cause is simply the ingestion of the plant by the horse. The medications omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) may also increase the tendency of St. John's wort to cause photosensitivity. And if your out collecting this wort and happen to come across a semi-stagnant pond.....look closely....at the edge between sunlight and shadow..in an evenly balanced amoebiotic soup....a sort of thick pond slime floating freely. Herbivorous animals that graze on St. John’s wort regularly can receive severe sunburns in addition to being poisoned by the plant. Bernd A, et al. Schempp et al reported the high-performance liquid chromatographic detection of hypericin and pseudohypericin in human serum after oral administration of the hypericum extract LI 160 in 12 healthy volunteers.11 After single-dose administration of 1,800 mg hypericum, the mean serum level of total hypericins was 43 mcg/mL. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology examined the side effect profile of St. John’s wort in detail (6). St John's wort may cause photosensitivity. New York: Springer Verlag; 1998:50-65. The Wort Oil is good for skin irritations and such...I seen it help when the calendula, comfrey, penstemon...and other herbs won't work. Interesting idea though...to increase effectiveness I presume. Emilyfarnsbarns Tue 01-Aug-17 11:34:23. Probably worth avoiding if you're already photosensitive; otherwise it seems to be rare and reasonably mild in its consequences. >Photoxicity of Hypericum in a small proportion of the (blonde)population. Maximum total hypericin plasma concentrations were observed about four hours after drug administration, and were 0, 28, 61, and 159 mcg/mL, respectively. [Reversible increase in photosensitivity to UV-B caused by St. John's wort extract]. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or you are taking oral contraceptives, it's important to talk with your doctor before taking St. John's wort. Makes all the sense in the world to me. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY, 1989 15(3):875-886.). This is not an idle statement. I would prefer to go a more natural route however, and have been researching St.John's wort as a natural alternative. Photosensitivity causing dermatitis and inflammation of mucus membranes. To date, no reports on the photosensitizing capacity of topical application of St. John's wort are available. "Leaf-tying by tortricid larvae as an adaptation for feeding on phototoxic Hypericum perforatum." Not only will this damage them internally, but it can also make them extremely sensitive to sunlight. Secondary effects are my grist (am I mixing metaphors again??). For those of us who support bioregionalism, it is indeed a perfect word. I don't know of any, Peggy. Michael, don't despair. Alas, for I wonder...when there are only small populations left in the area...will St John become a rare and protected plant?????? Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. One doctor at the conference who treats a lot of AIDs patients said she had seen frequent cases of phototoxocity in dark skinned Puerto Ricans, especially with higher doses and long term administration. Use has persisted in spite of later discovery that it doesn't help HIV in humans. Some sysop accidentally sent me posts from alt.flame.mushroom.mushroom.mushroom for the last few days instead of the Herb List! St. John’s Wort Tea Side Effects. Did you know that St John's wort can cause extreme photosensitivity in many people? St. John's Wort may cause sensitivity to light, although I have never actually heard of this happening or know about any actual incidences. I have retailed and wholesaled herbs for 20 years and have taught and written about green stuff for 16 years (...and breathed and micturated for almost 54), and I have only run across 1 person to have shown signs of photosensitization from Hypericum. This can lead to visual sensitivity to visible and ultraviolet light and to sunburns in situations that would not normally cause them. I wanted to start out slow on it, so I only take one pill @ 300 mg. per day. The medications omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) may also increase the tendency of St. John's wort to cause photosensitivity. From: moon2peg.NATURE.BERKELEY.EDU generic drugs) are not considered. It’s understood that hypericin, the active ingredient in St John’s wort, is highly photoreactive by nature. I was born the year WWII began, and spent the first several decades in a world of fewer and less "ripened" eco-toxins and ate food with fewer chemicals and fewer "recombinants". 13. This could be through prescribed or over the counter medication or teas. Photosensitivity may be possible from its ingestion. Lancet 1998;352: AIDS patients started taking hypericum when is was found that the hypericin had an anti-HIV effect in mice. St. John’s wort tea or tincture is a popular remedy for burns, sunburns, wounds, bruises, sores, insect bites, and cramps. The ultrasound drives the contents of the gel directly into the tissues. St. John’s wort tea or tincture is a popular remedy for burns, sunburns, wounds, bruises, sores, insect bites, and cramps. St. John’s wort can increase the rapid breakdown of irinotecan (Camptosar) by the body and decrease the efficacy of irinotecan (Camptosar). Photosensitivity reactions: Three cases of photosensitivity reactions occurred in individuals who used topical and/or oral St. John’s wort preparations prior … The wholistic models hold more long-term value. Direct photosensitisation occurs when the chemical comes from a defect in the animals metabolism of its red blood cells, or, more commonly, from plants such as St. John’s wort. Med J Aust. Schempp et al also studied the effects of topical application of hypericum oil (hypericin 110 mcg/mL) and hypericum ointment (hypericin 30 mcg/mL) on skin sensitivity to solar simulated radiation.17 Sixteen volunteers received either oil (n = 8) or ointment (n = 8). I have to say, this herb helps me a lot, I can feel it working. It’s now May. Golsch S, Vocks E, Rakoski J, et al. From: Howie Brounstein . Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) 10. Therefore, the authors speculate that pseudohypericin, which is present in higher concentrations than hypericin in hypericum, may be of greater concern regarding phototoxicity.5 However, at steady state, plasma levels of pseudohypericin are only half that of hypericin.6. Squueeezze that unopened flower bud...just a hint of yellow petals peaking so cautiously from its sepal safety...sqqqueeeezze and you will delight to find a drop of redness so strong as to dye the fingers. At baseline and then four hours after drug intake, subjects were exposed on small areas of their back to increasing doses of solar simulated irradiation (SSI, containing both UVA and UVB); another part was exposed to selective UVA irradiation. St. John's wort has become popular as a herbal medicine for its antidepressant effects. Photocytotoxic effect of pseudohypericin versus hypericin. It also helps cuts and external physical injuries in general. Pharmacopsychiatry 1997;30(Suppl 2): These folks do Bioregional Congresses, a newsletter called *Raise the Stakes*, creative performances, research, bioregional and deep ecology workshops, etc. Antihistamines and antiinflammorty drugs may help in early cases. Minimal erythema dose was determined five, 20, and 68 hours after irradiation. See, for example: Mills, Stephanie. Lots of research on the effects of hypericin on cattle and insects, but humans? Hypericin induced photo-polymerization of crystallins in the presence of light. View abstract. Not the "sure and steady" herb that works effectively for everyone (like that bitter Hore Hound that makes everyone gag ..I mean cough.). Is this a concern when using a light therapy unit such as the northern Light Technologies BOXelite OS or other models that filter out UV radiation?   Animals will have blistering skin and white areas of the coat will easily sunburn. John’s wort is also associated with photosensitivity and skin rash. As he related a year later, he took a fly-fishing vacation after the class, returning to a place in the San Juans of Colorado (8,500 feet) that the class had visited. The most commonly reported adverse effects from St. John's wort include gastrointestinal symptoms, allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, photosensitivity, and dry mouth. The minimal erythema dose was determined by visual assessment, and skin erythema was evaluated photometrically. Hautartz 1997;48:249-262. The inflammation is gone and I can bend the wrist backwards again. Lee DW, Downum KR. Despite the benefits, some of the potential side effects of this herbal tea include photosensitivity, complications with surgery, and issues for pregnant and breastfeeding women.. Photosensitivity: Some people have reported increased photosensitivity when consuming this tea; if you feel like your eyes are extra sensitive to sunlight, stop drinking this tea. Greetings Howie! This may be an example of assumptive jumping from mammalian lab results to humans. It’s still unclear if topical application has the same photoreaction on the skin. Although it seems to be well-tolerated when taken alone, St. John's wort has been shown to cause important drug interactions with several medications by interfering with drug metabolism pathways. Topical application of St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) and of its metabolite hyperforin inhibits the allostimulatory capacity of epidermal cells. Disturbing, but true. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering plant.The flowers are used to make liquid extracts, pills, and teas. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) interacts with Irinotecan (Camptosar) To treat cancer, Irinotecan (Camptosar) is used. St. John's wort should be removed entirley from the diet of the animal. Glad to be back. There was scarring from the blisters. I use it as my only sunscreen (and I am outside a lot) and find it not only immediately effective in preventing and treating sunburn, but even more protective with continuing use over years." I do know that some common psychiatric pharmaceuticals DO cause photosensitivity in humans....... And when you hold the leaves of the hypericum perforatum the the light of the sky you will see little holes...actually compartments (perforations)....that trap and use the energy of the sun to run a biochemical factory......making hypericin....the red colored constituent assumed to be one of the active ones. Severe cutaneous phototoxicity (an erythematous rash associated with painful dysesthesias involving the areas exposed to light) was observed in 11 of 23 subjects. Subject: HYPERICUM and GAIA. Photosensitivity and St.Johns wort Jay__0__0. It makes sense, then that phototoxicity was found at the higher, long-term usages (in addition to other factors). Like the Wandering Homeopath, traveling the world seeking provings (you mean you haven't heard THAT legend? Perhaps one shouldn't focus on the oddities and quirks of nature and coincidence....but I think it's cool. I don't think many would, but there you go. 17. From: Howie Brounstein Pp. From what I've heard so far SSRI's have a lot of complicated side effects and can … The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness/confusion, and tiredness/sedation.