Posted by TenMan on September 22, 2007, at 20:56:11
In reply to Re: Open Discussion on St Johns Wort, posted by Sigismund on September 22, 2007, at 15:13:30
I agree, SJW is a fascinating herb. I've taken it on and off over the years in varying amounts and differing brands and it consistently works to ease my depression and social anxiety better than most anything else. It's a shame since I will no longer take it due to fears of retinal damage from the photosensitizing effects hypericin has, otherwise I would take it daily. Hypericin is supposed to be the photosensitizing agent in SJW and I've looked long for a pure hyperfoin extract but the only one that I have found is no longer in production it seems. Caveat Emptor, the SC27 extract is not devoid of hypericin as the label may lead you to believe. This has been confirmed by myself and another and also by e-mail with New Chapter the makers of the that particular product.
Another benefit I have found from SJW is a pronounced and definite increase in cognition as measured by ability to concentrate, verbal fluency and abstract thought. Also, motivation for me is greatly improved.
SJW has a number of health benefits for the body beyond relief of depression, it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and in one study has been shown to lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
It's a shame that it has the effect of photosensitivity in the eyes, if it were not for that SJW would be a staple for me but I am yound and it is not worth the risk to my eyes!
Best,
Ten
poster:TenMan
thread:784487
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070816/msgs/784539.html