The efficacy and function of Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum has many effects and functions, including anti-depression and trauma treatment. It is precisely because of this that the treatment range of this medicinal material has become wider. Not only that, it also has antiviral effects. However, it is best to take this medicine after obtaining the consent of a doctor to avoid making the condition worse. After all, not everyone is suitable for taking this medicine.

Antidepressant Effect

Hypericin in Hypericum perforatum irreversibly inhibits type A and B monoamine oxidase in the body. The standardized extract of hypericin has been tested for its antidepressant activity in a variety of animal models. Experiments have found that it can enhance the exploratory activities of mice in unfamiliar environments, prolong the sleep time of anesthetics, and reduce the aggressive behavior of male mice. At the same time, 15 female patients were given standard solution of hypericin, which was proven to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression, drowsiness, anorexia, depression (especially in the morning), insomnia, constipation, psychomotor disorders, and inferiority complex, without any side effects.

Trauma treatment effects

A large number of studies on Hypericum perforatum extract have proven its antibacterial and trauma treatment effects. For example, two widely used Russian preparations of Hypericum perforatum, novoimanine and imanine, were found to be more effective than sulfonamides against Staphylococcus aureus infections in vitro and in vivo.

An ointment containing an extract of Hypericum perforatum flowers can shorten the healing time of burns and show an antiseptic effect. After using this ointment, first-degree burns healed within 48 hours, while second- to third-degree burns healed three times faster than with traditional methods, and no scars were formed.

Further studies have shown that a freeze-dried Hypericum perforatum preparation can inhibit inflammation and leukocyte infiltration in in vivo tests. Hypericum perforatum oil is commercially used as a sunscreen, but its effectiveness is controversial.

Antiviral effect

Two compounds isolated from this plant strongly inhibited various retroviruses in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

(1) After administration in vivo, these compounds quickly react with infectious virus particles and can effectively prevent the occurrence of the disease.

(2) Preliminary in vitro tests on pseudohypericin showed that it can reduce the spread of HIV.

(3) The total recovery rate of hypericin and pseudohypericin in Hypericum perforatum was 0.04%.