ATC code: N06AX25
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other antidepressants, St. John's wort herb
The dry extract of St. John's wort inhibits the synaptosomal reuptake of the neurotransmitters noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. Subchronic administration causes down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors; this alters the behaviour of experimental animals in certain antidepressant models (e.g. the forced swim test) in a manner similar to synthetic antidepressants.
The effect is contributed to by naphthodianthrones such as hypericin and pseudohypericin, phloroglucinol derivatives such as hyperforin, and flavonoids.
Clinical efficacy and safety
In controlled, double-blind and open-label studies compared with placebo, a significant improvement over placebo was shown in the symptoms of psychovegetative disorders — mood swings, low mood, nervous restlessness, and anxiety. Compared with various synthetic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, imipramine, or maprotiline, as well as benzodiazepines such as bromazepam, the St. John's wort extract demonstrated comparable efficacy with a substantially lower incidence of adverse effects.
⚠️ Warnings
Intense UV radiation must be avoided during treatment.
As sufficient data are not available, the product is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Excipients with known effect:
The product contains 17.8 mg of lactose per hard capsule. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this product.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, that is to say essentially "sodium-free".
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