New advice on St John's wort

Citation

(2000), "New advice on St John's wort", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 30 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2000.01730eaf.003

New advice on St John's wort

New advice on St John's wort

There have been recent reports that St John's Wort may prevent some medicines from working properly. These include some medicines used for the treatment of HIV infection, some medicines used to treat transplant patients, heart conditions, blood clots, asthma, depression, migraine and the oral contraceptive pill. Although St John's wort may be safe for otherwise healthy patients, there are so many drugs being used it is impossible to predict which may be affected. Self-diagnosis and medication can lead to serious conditions in people being treated in other ways.

It appears that St John's wort activates an enzyme in the liver which metabolises many drugs leading to a decrease in their blood levels and their predicted efficiency. The herbal remedy may also affect neurotransmitters which are brain chemicals. Pharmacists and doctors will advise that those taking certain medicines should stop taking St John's wort although in some cases their dose of licensed medicines may need to be adjusted.

Preparations containing St John's wort are widely available in the UK to treat a number of conditions including low mood and mild to moderate depression. Such herbal remedies are not subject to the standard controls for licensed medicines and may be sold without brand names or any claims. The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) is currently in dialogue with a wide range of organisations across the natural health sector about the need to improve the regulatory approach to herbal medicines. The Swedish government has just begun to require labelling on the herbal remedy stating that it is not to be used with any prescription medications.

A copy of the full information sent to health professionals can be obtained from the MCA. Web site: www.open.gov.uk-mca/mcahome.htm Tel: +1 (0)207 273 0000.