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Question:
I read somewhere that when taking St. John’s wort extract that it is important to stay away from the sun and avoid red wine and cheese. Is this true?
Answer:
Not according to detailed safety studies. Initially there was some concern that components in St. John's Wort could cause a severe form of sunburn (photosensitivity) because such an effect has been noted in animals that graze on large quantities of St. John's Wort. Because of the possibility of photosensitivity, it is often recommend that individuals, especially those with fair skin, avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light when using St. John's Wort. While this recommendation may be appropriate it must be pointed out that the therapeutic dosage of 2.7 mg hypericin per day is about 30 to 50 times below the level required to produce phototoxicity. Reports of photosensitivity in humans have been rare and have been limited to those taking excessive quantities for HIV infection. St. John's Wort is unlikely to be toxic to humans when used at recommended levels for depression.
Initially it was also recommended that those taking St. John’s Wort should also avoid tyramine-containing foods (cheeses, beer, wine, pickled herring, yeast, etc.). It was thought that St. John’s wort inhibited the enzyme (monoamine oxidase [MAO]) that breaks down tyramine. If so, that could lead to elevations in blood pressure. However, recent information has documented that St. John’s wort does not have any inhibition of this enzyme (MAO).
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