Evidence supporting the use of: Hypericin
For the health condition: Herpes

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hypericin is a naturally occurring compound found in the plant Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's Wort. Its traditional use in treating herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections stems primarily from historical herbal medicine practices, particularly in Europe. Folk medicine has long utilized St. John’s Wort for various skin ailments, including viral lesions such as cold sores, which are caused by HSV. This traditional application is based on the plant’s general reputation for “wound healing” and “antiviral” properties, rather than direct clinical evidence.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited preclinical evidence suggesting that hypericin and related compounds may exert some antiviral activity in vitro against enveloped viruses, including HSV. Some laboratory studies indicate that hypericin can inhibit viral replication by interfering with viral envelope integrity or replication mechanisms. However, these findings are based on cell cultures and have not translated into robust clinical trials confirming efficacy or safety for herpes in humans.

Overall, the use of hypericin (or St. John's Wort) for herpes is justified mainly by tradition, with only weak supportive evidence from laboratory studies. It has not been validated in high-quality human trials, and thus, its use should be approached with caution. Patients are advised to consult healthcare professionals before using hypericin for HSV or related conditions.

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Products containing Hypericin

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