1. What is St. John’s wort extract?
St. John’s wort extract is a kind of herbal extract. Key ingredient is hypericin.
Hypericum perforatum extract can be used as a safe neurotrophic product to prevent depression, regulate affective disorders and mood disorders, eliminate tension and depression, restore self-confidence and improve sleep.
Hypericin, an effective ingredient extracted from Hypericum perforatum, has significant anti-DNA and RNA virus effects. It can directly act on the DAN of avian influenza, swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and other viruses, interfere with the replication and reproduction of the virus and have a strong inhibitory effect on the virus.
2. Source of St. John’s wort extract.
St. John’s wort is name of a Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Hypericum perforatum L..
Distributed in Hebei, Shaanxi, Gansu, Xinjiang, Shandong, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou and other places.
3. Specification sheet of St. John’s wort extract(For most popular spec)
| Product Name: St John’s Wort Extract |
| Botanic Name: Hypericum perforatum L. |
| Plant part: Aboveground Parts |
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATION |
| Appearance | Dark brown powder |
| Order | Characteristic |
| Taste | Characteristic |
| Identification | Identical to the R.S. sample |
| Hypericins | ≥0.3 % |
| Loss on drying | ≤5 % |
| Ashes | ≤8 % |
| Particle Size | NLT 95% through 80 mesh |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤2.0 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2.0 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1.0 ppm |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/G |
| Yeast and mould | ≤100 CFU/G |
| E. coli | ＜0.3 MPN/g |
| Salmonella | Negative |
| S.aureus | Negative |
| Packing | 25 kg/ drum. Paper drums and two plastic-bags inside. |
| Storage | Store in well-closed container at room temperature, protect from light, moisture and pest infestation. |
| Shelf life | 24 months if stored well. |
All available spec:
Hypericins UV0.3%-0.7%
Hypericins HPLC0.1%-0.4%
4. Info about key ingredient Hypericins
Molecular Formula: C30H16O8
Molecular Mass: 504.44
Molecular Structure:
CAS No.: 548-04-9
Usage: used to treat antidepressants and increase immunity
5. Manufacturer Flow Chart of St. John’s wort Extract
Raw material → water extraction → concentration → extractum → spray drying → crushing, mixing, packaging → product
6. St. John’s wort extract benefits
- 1. Anti-depressant
- 2. Anti-virus, anti-avian flu. (Hypericin is an antiviral pure Chinese medicinal preparation, and it is the first choice for preventing and treating avian influenza.)
- 3. Reduce alcoholism
- 4. Improve seasonal depression
- 5. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
7. Mechanism of action to anti-depression
Hypericum perforatum extract has long been used as an antidepressant in Europe (especially Germany), but research on its mechanism and effective ingredients is still being explored.
It is generally believed that Hypericum perforatum, like ordinary antidepressants, inhibits the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin.
It is theorized that Hypericum perforatum acts simultaneously in many ways: inhibiting the reabsorption of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine; low-level MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor); acting on the hypothalamus, inhibiting cortisol secretion.
It is also theorized that the crude extract of Hypericum perforatum has good affinity for some receptors related to the mass transfer of brain nerves, such as GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). GABA is one of the main substances that calm the central nervous system.
New research shows that GABA is also related to antidepressant. Depression patients have very low GABA levels, and drugs that can enhance GABA activity also have antidepressant effects.
It has also been proposed that Hypericum perforatum inhibits the activity of interleukin-6, which is a chemical substance that promotes immunity and can cause depression. And Hypericum perforatum can be used to treat menopausal depression due to the action of β-sitosterol, a mild plant hormone contained.
The general view is: Hypericin is the effective antidepressant ingredient of Hypericum perforatum, which works through the MAOI mechanism. However, the researchers doubted that hypericin is the effective ingredient and the MAOI mechanism itself, and proposed new possible effective ingredients: flavonoids (similar to MAOI in chemical structure), such as amantoflavin; mountain ketones ( Inhibit MAO-A, MAO-B) and other unknown ingredients, and it is believed that it may be a synergistic effect of several substances.
Many studies can provide evidence for the effectiveness and safety of Hypericum perforatum against depression. The most convincing is the report of Linde et al. using the statistical method of metoanalysis to deal with random clinical trials.
The literature shows that in the treatment of mild and moderate depression, Hypericum perforatum is significantly better than placebo. Compared with standard antidepressants (tricyclics), it has the same effect and less side effects. However, Linde’s experimental treatment course is short and the dose is small. It only studied patients with mild and moderate depression, and did not compare with other standard antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs, Effexnor, Paxil, etc.). Therefore, it is believed that Hypericum perforatum can be completely replaced. The conclusion of antidepressants is still immature.
At the same time, Hypericum perforatum still has some side effects, including interaction with MAOIs, serotonin syndrome, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal stimulation, fatigue, insomnia and allergic reactions.
The LD50 of Hypericum perforatum has not been reported, but the LD50 of some active ingredients is known. For example, the LD50 of hyperin (hyperin) = (0.5±0.014) g/kg. However, 35 times the standard dose of Hypericum perforatum extract was applied to volunteers with only minor side effects. It shows that Hypericum perforatum has higher LD50 and lower toxicity.
8. Dosage for St. John’s wort extract
Dry herbs (capsules or tablets): The usual dose for the treatment of mild depression and mood disorders is 300 to 500 mg (based on 0.3% Hypericum perforatum extract as the standard), 3 times a day, before meals.
Liquid extract (4:1): 40-60 drops twice a day.
9. Side effects of St. John’s wort extract
Hypericum perforatum extract has become the first choice for the treatment of depression in Europe and America because of its remarkable treatment, low side effects and safe use, and has been included in the pharmacopoeias of Germany, the United States and other countries.
Volkers et al. found from the controlled clinical treatment of a total of 1,700 depression patients in 26 groups that the equivalent of 0.3% of total hypericin as a therapeutic agent is as effective as modern synthetic antidepressants, and only 3% of patients have relatively harmless This proportion is much lower than modern tricyclic antidepressants.
10. Safety of St. John’s wort extract
St. John’s wort has a good safety record as a folk herb for centuries. Compared with synthetic antidepressants, there are no reports of death caused by taking Hypericum perforatum.
Drug follow-up studies on more than 7000 patients and 27 double-blind research trials confirmed its safety. The widespread use of Hypericum perforatum in nearly a million people has not reported serious side effects.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the substance for depression or any other medical condition.
The FDA, in fact, classifies St. John’s wort as a dietary supplement, not a drug.
11. St. John’s wort extract powder package & Notes for shipping
25kgs/drum, inner by double plastic bags.
N.W./G.W.: 25kgs/28kgs
Drum size: 35cm(diameter)*51cm(height)
Small order is accepted too. Such like 1kg/5kgs/10kgs.
Package for small quantity is by aluminium foil bag and carton box.
For 1-50kg, we suggest shipping by courier, such as DHL, fedex. HS code we use is 2932999099.
For 50-300kgs, we suggest shipping by air. HS code we use is 2932999099/1302199099.
For more than 300kgs, we suggest shipping by sea. HS code we use is 1302199099.
12. Supplements containing St. John’s wort extract
NOW Supplements, Mood Support with St. John’s Wort, Nutrient and Herbal Extracts
Nutricost St John’s Wort Capsules
Solaray St. Johns Wort Aerial Extract One Daily 900mg
NOW Supplements, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) 300 mg
21st Century St. Johns Wort Extract Veg Capsules
Nature’s Truth St. John’s Wort Extract 300 mg
13. Where to buy St. John’s wort extract
You can purchase St. John’s wort extract powder from China.
MR Natural is an old brand St. John’s wort extract manufacturer since 2006.
You can get St. John’s wort extract which is certified by kosher, halal.
You can get full set documents about St. John’s wort extract, such like spec, COA, MSDS etc.
You can get test report of St. John’s wort extract from third party lab.
You can get good customer service here, fast respond, professional advice, detailed product information, free samples, fast delivery.
For St. John’s wort supplement, YOU can buy from online store like Amazon, Ebay.
14. How to order St. John’s wort extract from MR Natural?
Step 1# Send us inquiry.
Step 2# We will send you quotation with detailed info & COA
Step 3# Negotiation about price, shipping, lead time, payment term
Step 4# We send you 20-50g free samples to approval quality before purchasing
Step 5# You test samples and inform us the test results
Step 6# We draft you PI when you’re ready to purchase
Step 7# You arrange payment to our bank account
Step 8# We prepare goods, book flight/vessel
Step 9# We send you Bill of lading, invoice, packing list, COA by email
Step 10# You receive the goods at specific address/at airport/seaport
Step 11# Your shipping agent do the custom clearance and ship the goods to your warehouse from the airport/seaport.
15. FAQ
Q: Does St John’s wort really work?
A: There is good evidence that St. John’s wort may reduce symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate, but not severe (or major) depression. In many studies it seems to work as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a popular type of antidepressant often prescribed to treat depression.
Q: Is St John’s wort safe to take?
A: St. John’s wort is generally considered safe when used orally in appropriate doses. However, it can cause: Agitation.
Q: Who should not use St John’s wort?
A: Until more is known, do not use St. John’s wort if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Children: St. John’s work is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 8 weeks in children 6-17 years-old.
Q: Does St John’s wort make you gain weight?
A: John’s wort is well established as a remedy for mild to moderate depression. Since depression can lead to weight gain, and since medications with actions similar to that of St. John’s wort have been used for weight loss, some people have proposed that St. John’s wort can be useful for weight loss.
Q: When should I take St John’s wort morning or night?
A: (St John’s wort works best if taken twice a day.) In the third and fourth week, take 300 mg morning and 600 mg evening. In the fifth week consider increasing the dose to 600 mg twice a day. Like all antidepressants, it can take four to six weeks before you feel any benefits.
Q: Why is St John’s Wort banned in Ireland?
A: The herb was classified as a prescription-only medicine in 2000 by the Irish Medicines Board, which is now known as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). This was due to concerns over the quality of products available.
Q: Does St John Wort make you sleepy?
A: John’s wort are usually minor and uncommon. They may include upset stomach, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, sexual dysfunction, or sensitivity to sunlight. Also, St. John’s wort is a stimulant and may worsen feelings of anxiety in some people.
Q: Does St John’s wort cause liver damage?
A: John’s wort has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations or to clinically apparent liver injury. Because of its many herb-drug interactions and effects on the P450 system and drug transport and excretion, St. John’s wort may increase or decrease the likelihood of drug induced liver injury from other medications.
Q: What does St John’s wort do to the brain?
A: John’s wort increases a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications for depression also increase the brain chemical serotonin. Taking St. John’s wort along with these medications for depression might increase serotonin too much and cause serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
Q: Does St John’s wort give you energy?
A: St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is used in traditional herbalism as a nerve tonic and antidepressant. It is said to be helpful in revitalizing those who are tired, low in energy, or simply fed up.
Q: How long does St John’s Wort stay in the body?
A: John’s Wort are hypericin and pseudohypericin with a plasma half-life of 24 hours.
16. Other ingredient with similar function.
Griffonia Seed Extract with 5-HTP
17. Reference of St. John’s wort extract powder.
Effectiveness of St John’s Wort in Major Depression A Randomized Controlled Trial, link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/193754
A systematic review of St. John’s wort for major depressive disorder, link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010734/
Clinical use of St. John’s wort, link: https://somepomed.org/articulos/contents/mobipreview.htm?14/22/14688
St John’s wort for depression—an overview and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials, link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232265121_St_John’s_wort_for_depression-an_overview_and_meta-analysis_of_randomised_clinical_trials
A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of St John’s wort extract in depression therapy in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in adults, link: https://www.dovepress.com/a-meta-analysis-on-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-st-john39s-wort-extract–peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDT
The Mechanism of Action of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) in the Treatment of Depression, link: https://www.ebmconsult.com/articles/herbal-supplement-st-john-wort-hypericum-perforatum-mechanism-depression
