Perinatal Depression Part III
ST JOHN’S WORT - Hypericum perforatum
Recent scientific evidence validates the efficacy and safety of the herb St John’s Wort for mild to moderate perinatal depression (postpartum stage) with any adverse reactions recorded being rare, and mild. However, it is contra-indicated in women trying to conceive, within their first two trimesters, and in mothers currently taking antidepressants. Furthermore, based on the research available, H.perforatum extracts with higher amounts of hypericin may be of concern toxicological wise for neonates and infants if taken in the first two trimesters. Overall however, when used in the the postpartum stages of perinatal depression, H.perforatum is a much safer alternative to pharmacological treatment being used in Australia today.
Hypericum perforatum contains the compountds hypericin, hyperforin, pseudo-hypericin and flavonoids responsible for anti-depressant & anxiolytic effects via the inhibition of monoamine oxidases, and the binding of flavonoids to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Additionally, it supresses IL-6 which modulates cortisol release, and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, GABA, catecholamines and noradrenaline. Furthermore, it downregulates beta-adrenergic receptors responsible for cardiac function and upregulates 5-HT2 receptors which modulate neurotransmitters in patients with anxiety and depression.
St John’s Wort is equal in efficacy, and far safer than anti-depressants as a monotherapy for mild to moderate symptoms in post partum depression with a good safety profile. As a monotherapy it is superior to placebo for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety, and is as effective as anti-depressants in patients with generalised depression. Long-term use does not affect body weight, haematological, biochemical or ECG parameters and has been proven to positively change brain chemistry permanently in depressed patients for the better. St John's wort demonstrated comparable response and remission rate, and significantly lower discontinuation and dropout rates when compared to SSRIs in moderate depression outcomes.
If you or someone you know might be sufferring from perinatal depression, please get in touch with me. Thanks, Amy.
REFERENCES
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