Hypericin is an active ingredient extracted from the plant of Hypericum perforatum L. useful for regulating mood, the sleep-wake cycle, intestinal peristalsis and other metabolic activities . Let's find out better.
Plant of Hypericum perforatum from which hypericine is extracted
What is Hypericin
Hypericin is a naphthodiandrone extracted from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant of Hypericum perforatum L., and has been considered the main active ingredient as an antidepressant, subsequently supplanted by hyperforin .
The concentration of these two molecules, both present in hypericum, obviously vary during the year and in different parts of the plant. Traditionally hypericum is harvested between June 21st, summer solstice, and June 24th, feast of St. John, from which the vulgar name with which the plant is known: " St. John's wort ".
Where is hypericin
The hypericin concentrates in the leaves and mainly in the flowering tops of the hypericum . Hypericum perforatum L. is a perennial herbaceous up to 30-90 cm tall; cylindrical, smooth, erect stems, branched at the top; leaves simple, oblong, whole, opposite, sessile, up to 2.5 cm long, seen against the light show small pores, hence the specific name. The flowers bear 5 (rarely 4) sepals and 5 (rarely 4) petals, and are united in terminal corymbs.
The plant flowers from June to August; it is present in all regions of Italy, preferring roadsides, meadows and clearings, it is found almost everywhere where the sun beats.
The hypericum phytocomplex includes, in addition to hypericin and hyperforin, flavonoids, quercetin, campferol, catechins, floroglucine, volatile oils, xanthones, tannins, nicotinic acid, vitamins and more.
Properties, use and contraindications of hypericum
Properties of hypericin
Hypericin acts by inhibiting the re-uptake of brain amines (serotonin, noradrenaline), by binding to GABA receptors. Moreover, it almost irreversibly inhibits both the A and B type of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in vitro ; the inhibition of MAO of type A, responsible for the inactivation of serotonin is the widest.
By limiting the re-uptake and inactivation of serotonin in the central nervous system, hypericin promotes a greater presence in the circulation of the neurotransmitter, guaranteeing better regulation of mood, sleep-wake cycle, intestinal peristalsis and others metabolic activities .
A hepatoprotective activity of the molecules, as well as antiviral, has also been demonstrated.
However, the antidepressant action remains the best known and studied also for its application implications that have made it a very powerful drug at first, then because of the multiple contraindications the governments of many countries, including still today France, have pushed for its ban, and now, with the necessary precautions, the hypericum is recovering the place it deserves.
Currently hypericum is present on the market as a mild and moderate antidepressant, also because the entire phytocomplex is well tolerated even in the elderly and shows an efficacy comparable to synthetic drugs.
Hypericum based supplements are present in different pharmaceutical forms: hydroalcoholic extract or mother tincture, dry extract, herbal tea, oleolite, as well as in medicinal specialties. The average dose used daily to achieve antidepressant effects is 900 mg.
In recent years it has been observed that the antidepressant action attributable to hypericum is not found in standardized extracts of hypericin, precisely because this activity is mainly due to hyperforin and the entire phytocomplex.
Also discover the properties and use of hypericum mother tincture
External use of hypericin
The oleolite of Hypericum perforatum L. is a powerful remedy also for external use. The main characteristic of the oleolite, or of the maceration in oil of the fresh plant, is the ruby red color. The coloring is due to hypericin.
For external use the hypericum oleolite is very effective as an anti-inflammatory, against sunburn, burns, skin redness due to inflammation or bruising, scars, wounds .
Properties and use of Hypericum homeopathic remedy
Contraindications of hypericin
Like any potent drug, even St. John's Wort is not without contraindications! Let's look at them in detail.
Hypericum shows interactions with numerous drugs, including: synthetic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, cyclosporine, digoxin, oral contraceptives, theophylline, warfarin, calcium channel blockers, antibiotics. Hypericum acts by inducing the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of these drugs, represented in particular by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in the liver.
These interactions can lead to a reduction in blood concentration and therefore in the efficacy of the drugs themselves. On the other hand, the suspension of hypericum can lead to a disproportionate increase in the blood concentration of these drugs and therefore to toxicity.
In recent years the administration of hypericum extracts has increased and with it the reports of interactions with various drugs. So much so that some National Agencies have developed specific lists of interacting drugs with the plant extract.
Another contraindication for the use of hypericum for internal and external use is its photosensitivity . However in humans only a few cases have been documented, regressed following his suspension. Furthermore, other studies indicate that photosensitivity occurs only at very high doses of hypericum, higher than those recommended.
The hypericum represents a classic example of how the conviction of the harmlessness of the natural product can bring the patient, who undergoes complex therapies, not to inform the doctor, with serious consequences too!
