SJW and photosensitivity.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
From: peacock.cts.com (Torrey Peacock)
Date: 24 Dec 1995 06:20:33 GMT
Subject: Re: Herbs & Depression

> I've read that St. John's Wort is good for treating depression but I've also read that it makes you super sensitive to the sun. So if you're taking it, stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen.

I've also read research summaries indicating that St. John's Wort is as or more effective than the commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressants. The herb is said to act as an MAO-inhibitor. MAO, or monoamine oxidase, is an enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitters, like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. So inhibiting this breakdown increaes the neurotransmiiter levels in the brain, producing the antidepressant effect. Not only is the St. Johnswort free of the side-effects of tricyclics, it also does *not* cause the "cheese reaction" found with synthetic MAO inhibitors. Nature's answer to Prozac, it would seem.

My understanding of the photosensitivity reaction is that this was based on animal studies, with rats, and has never been duplicated with human subjects.

From: Cameron Parish <riotnrrd.az.com>

>> I've read that St. John's Wort is good for treating depression but I've also read that it makes you super sensitive to the sun. So if you're taking it, stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen.
>My understanding of the photosensitivity reaction is that this was based on animal studies, with rats, and has never been duplicated with human subjects.

For what it's worth, there is some anecdotal evidence that St. John's Wort can cause photosensitivity in some people. (I ran across a Web page detailing a few cases of photosensitivity in people who were taking St. John's Wort; I think all of them were taking rather high doses, and were quite pale people to begin with.Perhaps someone more motivated than I am will track the page down.)

I've taken St. John's Wort in conservative doses, and have experienced minor, but annoying, photosensitivity. However, I am very pale -- mostly Scots & Black Irish, with that virtually-translucent, instantaneously-burning skin -- and paleness seems to me to be a key factor. A pair of sunglasses and some good strong sunblock cleared up all my problems.

As a short-term antidepressant, St. John's Wort worked very well for me. I observed no other side effects. Although I don't know of any reason to be *overly* concerned about its photosensitizing effects, a little caution is never inappropriate imho.