Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

St John’s-wort has been intensively researched, mostly in Germany and the former Soviet Union. It contains high concentrations of some potential immune-modulating chemicals, known as flavonoids. St.John’s-wort also contains another substance, hypericin, that has antiviral and anti-depressive action. Other studies show antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.

AIDS - One of St-John’s-wort’s most exciting effects is hypericin’s apparent activity against the AIDS virus.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows the herb has “dramatic activity and little toxicity” against viruses similar to HIV, the AIDS virus, in testtube and animal tests. Mice were infected with viruses that cause leukemia, then given a single injection of St.John’s wort extract. It “totally prevented disease.” The herb was equally effective when the mice received it orally. Preliminary laboratory tests indicated similar action against the HIV virus. The herb also crosses the blood/brain barrier, which is important in AIDS treatment because the virus often attacks the brain.

These findings caused some excitement among AIDS researchers, some of whom launched studies to test St.-John’swort in people with AIDS. As this book goes to press, those studies have not been completed. Since early 1989, however, the newsletter AIDS Treatment News has published case reports and surveys of AIDS sufferers, some of whom have experienced “significant improvement” using St.Johns-wort. including increased immune function, weight gain, improved appetite, and greater energy.

Such reports are heartening, but like all anecdotal information, they must be viewed cautiously. Until the scientific studies have been completed and replicated, St.John’s-wort cannot be considered an AIDS treatment. Nonetheless, preliminary results look promising.

AIDS patients enrolled in St.-John’s-wort studies do not use the bulk herb but rather a “standardized extract.” Standardization is crucial to the scientific acceptability of research results.

Wound Healing - Several studies have supported St.John’s-worts traditional use in wound Healing. The hypericin and other antibiotic chemicals in the herb’s red oil may help prevent wound infection. In addition, the plant’s potential immune-stimulating flavonoids help reduce wound inflammation. One German study showed that compared with conventional treatment, a St.John’s-wort ointment substantially cut the Healing time of burns and caused less scarring. (This product is not available in the United States.)

Anti-depressant - Hypericin appears to interfere with the activity of a chemical in the body known as monoamine oxidase (MAO), making it an MAO inhibitor. MAO inhibitors are an important class of antidepressant drugs. In a small German study, 15 women in treatment for depression obtained significant relief aftertaking St.-John’s-wort including increased appetite, greater interest in life, improved feelings of self-worth, and more normal sleep patterns. But St-John’swort is not an instant antidepressant. According to German medical herbalist Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D, the effect “does not develop quickly …. [It takes] two or three months.”

Rx for St.-John’s-Wort

For AIDS treatment, consult a physician for help in obtaining the standardized extracts or in getting enrolled in a clinical trial of the substance.

For wound treatment, apply crushed leaves and flowers to the affected area after you have cleaned it with soap and water.

For an infusion to help treat depression and possibly stimulate the immune system, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. St.-John’s-wort tastes initially sweet, then bitter and astringent.

In a tincture, use ¼ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. St.-John’s-wort should not be given to children under age 2.

For older children and people over 65, start with lowstrength preparations and increase strength if necessary.