St Johns Wort

GENERAL DATA

Plant parts: Flowers, Leaves
Cultivation mode: Wild Collection\Cultivated
In manufacturing:
– Pharmaceutical:

– Is used in the dyeing industry to dye silk and wool

– Used as a skin rejuvenator and anti-inflammatory and irritant in the cosmetics industry

– Extracts of this plant are used as skin protectors in a wide range of cosmetic products, especially for the protection of oily skin, and it is used in the preparation of shampoos, cleansing gels, face and hair lotions, skin creams, washing foams and hair conditioners. From the active ingredients of St. John’s Wort medicine are made in the form of sprays that improve severe skin burns. Also, the active ingredients of this herb are used in repairing dry skin, preparing baby oils and also preparing anti-wrinkle lotions.
In food: Tea.

🌼 Industries That Use St. John’s Wort Flowers (Hypericum perforatum L.)

St. John’s Wort is a yellow-flowered perennial herb with a long-standing reputation in traditional and modern medicine. Its flowering tops, rich in active compounds like hypericin and hyperforin, are the most pharmacologically significant part. Widely used in phytotherapy, functional foods, supplements, and topical care, it’s especially known for its role in mental wellness.

🌿 What Are St Johns Wort Flowers?

The flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum contain the plant’s main bioactive constituents. These include:

• Hypericin & pseudohypericin (naphthodianthrones)

• Hyperforin (phloroglucinol derivative)

• Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol)

• Essential oils and tannins

When crushed, the bright yellow petals release a reddish oil—a visual marker of active compounds.

✅ Widely used in standardized extract form (e.g. 0.3% hypericin)
✅ Most effective when harvested during flowering season

1. Pharmaceutical & Medical Industry

St Johns Wort is one of the most clinically studied herbal remedies for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Applications:

• Standardized capsules for mood regulation (alternative to SSRIs)

• Herbal antidepressants (especially in Europe)

• Topical wound healing creams and balms

• Menopausal support blends

✅ Licensed in Europe as a prescription or OTC phytomedicine
✅ May interact with conventional drugs—used under guidance

2. Nutraceutical & Supplement Industry

Extensively used in mental health support formulations and as a natural mood enhancer.

Applications:

• Supplements for anxiety, irritability, stress, and sleep

• PMS and menopause relief capsules

• Herbal nootropic blends

• Combined formulas with Valerian, Passionflower, or Magnesium

✅ Often formulated with standardized hypericin or hyperforin content
✅ Popular in wellness products targeted at emotional balance

3. Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

St. John’s Wort extracts and oils are valued for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties in skincare.

Applications:

• Calming creams and serums for sensitive or inflamed skin

• Wound healing salves (for cuts, burns, bruises)

• After-sun and anti-redness products

• Scalp and hair treatments for dryness and irritation

✅ Especially popular in herbal, apothecary-style skincare
✅ Often infused in olive oil or macerated oils (St. John’s Wort oil)

4. Traditional & Herbal Medicine

Historically used in folk medicine for both physical and emotional wounds.

Applications:

• Infusions and teas for anxiety, irritability, and sleep

• Poultices and tinctures for muscle pain or nerve discomfort

• Traditional “red oil” for burns, wounds, and ulcers

✅ Long-standing use in European, Persian, and Mediterranean herbal traditions
✅ Known as a “nervine” (supports nervous system balance)

5. Veterinary & Animal Health

Used in natural veterinary care, especially for skin conditions and behavioral support.

Applications:

• Topical ointments for minor cuts and dermatitis

• Calming herbal blends for anxious pets or livestock

• Natural fly repellents (mild insecticidal properties)

✅ Often included in organic farm and herbal veterinary kits

6. Academic & Clinical Research

One of the most scientifically validated botanicals in psychiatric phytotherapy.

Research Focus Areas:

• Depression and mood disorders (meta-analyses show efficacy in mild-to-moderate cases)

• Neuroinflammation and neuroprotection

• Phototoxicity and drug interactions

• Herbal-drug pharmacokinetics

✅ Studied in >40 countries
✅ Key focus in integrative mental health models

✅ Summary of Key Applications

🌟 Key Features

• Rich in hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, and tannins

• Clinically validated for mild to moderate depression

• Supports nervous system, skin regeneration, and hormonal balance

• Most effective when used under guidance due to drug interactions

• Traditional symbol of light, protection, and renewal—named after St. John the Baptist