St. John's Wort
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in brain synapses.
Also Known As
Klamath Weed, Goatweed
Family: Hypericaceae | Species: Hypericum perforatum | Origin: Europe / Asia
Medical Verification
Dr. Shilpa Thakur
ID: NUTR-SHILPA-001
Updated: July 02, 2026
Protocol Parameters
300 mg - 900 mg daily of standardized extract
Consume capsules with meals. Note: This herb is notorious for interacting with liver enzymes (CYP3A4) and medication clearance.
Comparison Guide
| Active Component | Target Area | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Hyperforin | Neurotransmitters | Inhibits reuptake of serotonin/dopamine |
| Hypericin | Viral / Skin cells | Photo-active anti-viral, topical healing |
Safety & Dosage
300mg three times daily (standardized to 0.3% hypericin).
- Women on oral contraceptives
- Anyone taking prescription drugs
- Bipolar patients
- Extremely high: Induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing efficacy of antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, etc.
This therapeutic is configured inside custom patient plans.
Get Custom ProtocolPharmacological Profile: St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Primary Mechanism of Action
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in brain synapses.
From a biochemical standpoint, the therapeutic properties of St. John's Wort are attributed to its complex matrix of active botanical compounds. These phytochemicals interact with specific cellular receptor systems, helping to regulate physiological pathways, downregulate markers of chronic systemic inflammation, and support tissue recovery. By incorporating these compounds into circadian-aligned dietary patterns, patients can enhance functional enzyme pathways and promote metabolic recovery.
Active Phytochemical Compounds
Phytochemical analysis indicates that these primary active compounds operate synergistically to modulate cellular stress responses and promote healthy enzyme function. Supporting evidence shows that maintaining the integrity of these volatile molecules during preparation maximizes their bioavailability.
Clinical Dosage Guidelines
Consult a clinical specialist for personalized dosage targets based on biomarker analysis.
Toxicology & Precautions
Maintain safety by not exceeding recommended dosing, and verify organ clearance capability (kidney/liver) with a clinician.
Clinical Contraindications
- Concomitant use of SSRIs, SNRIs, birth control pills, or blood thinners (induces CYP3A4 enzymes)
Integrated Wellness & Circadian Biology
The therapeutic use of St. John's Wort is optimized when coordinated with your body's circadian rhythms. Integrating botanical support into designated daylight eating windows supports natural diurnal metabolic processes and helps prevent digestive stress. Aligning these choices with a high-density, whole-food diet based on our Nutritional Color Code system (NutritionColours) provides a broad range of antioxidants, supporting cellular defense and long-term health preservation.
Clinical Evidence & Citations
St. John's Wort for depression: systematic review (PMID: 29065496)
PubMed Database Link →