Efficacy of St John's Wort

Essay by ParulJainCollege, UndergraduateA, November 2009

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A.

St. John’s Wort (SJW) is one of the herbs, which is also known as hypercium, goat weed and kalmath weed. The use of this herb is historical. It has been used by the patients of mental disorders for the last many centuries. It is highly used in the treatment of nerve pain. Some other diseases, which are treated by SJW are malaria, insect bites, burns, balm for wounds, etc. In the present scenario, it is used in the treatment of depression, sleep disorders and anxiety. The flowers of this herb are used in the form of tablets and herbal beverage (Herbs at a Glance: St. John's Wort, 2008).

The history of the use of SJW is full of the various diseases. It has been used in most of the parts of the world for various ailments, such as mood disorders. The culture of Greek demonstrates the ancient use of the herb.

The historical use of SJW can also be seen in Roman society. The scientific name of SJW is Hypercium perforatum. The two chemicals contained in the plants are hypericin and hyperforin. These chemicals can also be defined as active ingredients, which are used to change the ailments (Carpenter, Crigger, Kugler & Loya, (2008).

In the United States, St. John’s Wort is one of the top selling herbs. Most of the people from the countries of Europe and Canada also use it. It is regulated in the United States of America under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). SJW is regulated as a dietary supplement. There is no restriction for the manufacturers of the St. John’s Wort to provide the efficacy and safety of the product. Some of the legislations in the United States related to the use of dietary supplements were introduced in order to...