Hypericum is not Heliotrope and does not contain pyrrolizidine

[Guest guest]

Hi Bill, Karen & All,

 

 

> The article with the misinformation Bill mentioned is

> http://www.ivis. org/special_books/knight/chap4b/ivis.pdf

> Karen S. Vaughan, L.Ac., MSTOM

 

Thank you for that. IVIS has made an error there.

 

Bill is correct. Hypericum is not Heliotrope and Medline has no hits showing

pyrrolizidine in Hypericum perforatum.

 

I accept the comment by Bill & others that at recommended doses

Hypericum perforatum rarely causes adverse reactions, including toxicity or

photosensitisation.

 

http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic449.htm says: St. John's wort

(Hypericum perforatum) is a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and

serotonin agonist. Concern has been raised regarding initiation of

hyperadrenergic MAOI-reactions by mixing adrenergic preparations, such as

ephedra and ephedrine-containing preparations, with St. John's wort;

however, no cases of serotonin syndrome or MAOI crisis have been linked

to the use of St. John's wort. When taken in conjunction with other

prescription medications, St. John's wort may decrease systemic

bioavailability.

 

That said, and bearing in mind that DOSE and metabolic factors in the

recipient decide toxicity or otherwise, Hypericum spp are classed as

photosensitising agents.

 

Animal Poison Control Center

www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_horsetoxic_stjohnsw

ort says: Hypericum perforatum (Goatweed, Klamath Weed, St. Johnswort):

Where Found: More than 25 different species known to exist in North

America; found on roadsides, in overgrazed or eroded pastures, abondoned

fields, open woods or sandy/infertile soils. Toxic Component: Hypericin.

Toxicity information: The adult plant is not very palatable, but can be

ingested if suitable forage is unavailable; the young plant is attractive and

may be grazed in abundance. The toxic component is light-active, and

causes a chemically induced sunburn, usually within 24 hours after ingestion

on light, unpigmented areas of skin. Dermatitis, itching and ulceration of the

skin leading to skin damage are possible effects.

 

In summary, Hypericum perforatun is classed as a poisonous plant [see:

http://tinyurl.com/343wyf ] but all of our medicines can be poisonous if used

wrongly, or if used in patients with compromised metabolism.

 

Best regards,