Topical application of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been intensively investigated for its antidepressive activity, but dermatological applications also have a long tradition. Topical St. John's wort preparations such as oils or tinctures are used for the treatment of minor wounds and burns, sunburns, abrasions, bruises, contusions, ulcers, myalgia, and many others. Pharmacological research supports the use in these fields. Of the constituents, naphthodianthrones (e.g., hypericin) and phloroglucinols (e.g., hyperforin) have interesting pharmacological profiles, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. In addition, hyperforin stimulates growth and differentiation of keratinocytes, and hypericin is a photosensitizer which can be used for selective treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. However, clinical research in this field is still scarce. Recently, sporadic trials have been conducted in wound healing, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and herpes simplex infections, partly with purified single constituents and modern dermatological formulations. St. John's wort also has a potential for use in medical skin care. Composition and stability of pharmaceutical formulations vary greatly depending on origin of the plant material, production method, lipophilicity of solvents, and storage conditions, and this must be regarded with respect to practical as well as scientific purposes.
Section skintegral, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Ute
U
Wölfle
Medical Services Dr. Seelinger, Berlin, Germany.
Günter
G
Seelinger
Section skintegral, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Christoph M
CM
Schempp
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum / Q000737:chemistry*; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000975:Antioxidants; D064209:Phytochemicals; D010936:Plant Extracts