St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort is an aromatic perennial herb with an abundance of golden-yellow flowers. Tiny perforations filled with phytochemical-rich oils cover the aerial (above ground) portions of St. John’s Wort and yield an extract that give the plant its primary health benefits. Once considered a difficult-to-control weed, St. John's wort is now hailed for its potential to relieve mild to moderate depression — so much so that its reputation as a "natural Prozac" is actually becoming a cliche. It has, in fact, been shown to help maintain mood, reduce stress, and even stabilize emotions. The medicinal components of St. John’s Wort, including Hypericin and Hyperforin, have been clinically shown to promote a healthy neurotransmitter balance, which can help to provide positive mood support.

St. John's wort, acts as a reuptake inhibitor of the brain's natural "feel good" chemical messengers: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine & GABA. Hyperforin increases the amount of these compounds available to the nerve cells in the brain. VILIFT™ contains the same hyperforin-rich St. John's wort extract that is prescribed in Europe for depression and anxiety.

Other names for St. Johns Wort

Hypericum perforatum, Hyperici herba, hypericum, klamathweed

Why athletes use St. Johns Wort

Although physical activity has been shown to lift mood and reduce the possibility of depression, that doesn't mean active people can't be affected by low moods — depression can strike people from every walk of life. Because the symptoms of depression include loss of energy, appetite, and interest in the world around us, it can also negatively influence performance. Of greater interest to athletes, however, may be St. John's wort's potential to reduce stress and improve overall mental clarity and alertness.

Ways that St. Johns Wort can enhance Mental Functioning:

* Through specific chemical reactions in the brain, reduce depression, stress, and anxiety

Ways that St. Johns Wort can enhance Longevity:

* Reduce "bad" viral activity to fight off a variety of infections

Current usage statistics indicate that millions of Americans supplement their daily diets with St. John’s Wort to promote a positive mood balance. In the United States and European Union, SJW is primarily used to provide positive support for:

1. Depressed mood and mild to moderate mood changes caused by everyday stress
2. Occasional nervousness, nervous tension, and anxiety