Perika Pro (MMS) Each bottle, 90 tablets. Each tablet, 300 mg of St. John's wort extract, derived from the stem, leaf and flower and with a guaranteed minimum of 3% hyperforin and 0.3% dianthrones measured as hypericin content per tablet. Each tablet also contains 4 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Suggested use is to take 1 tablet three times per day at mealtime. Effects anticipated to be realized within 2-4 weeks of starting.

Hypericin is derived from an herb found commonly in the United States called St. John’s Wort. The herb has clinically proven (multiple, well-controlled studies, mostly in Germany) antidepressant effects for mild to moderate depression. European studies comparing the herb to standard antidepressants have often shown it works as well for mild-to-moderate depression without the side effects the drugs can cause. A recent U.S. study found no benefit for severe depression. Many antidepressants may interfere with antiretroviral blood levels (talk with your physician).

It may also have activity against Epstein-Barr and herpes infections. Studies show that the hypericin extract has limited anti-HIV effects. Since the synthetic extract causes hypersensitivity to light, particularly in light-skinned individuals. High doses of the herb may also cause a sensitivity to light (phototoxicity), thus, avoid direct sunlight or sunbathing while using. In general, though, this does not appear to be a problem when using the whole herb. If taking nucleosides (e.g., AZT), check liver enzyme levels. Possibly use with alpha lipoic and/or silymarin to protect the liver.

Do not take with 5-HTP or serotonin re-uptake inhbitors like Prozac. Do not take with indinavir (Crixivan)--and probably best to avoid if taking ANY protease inhibitors. This latter warning stems from a study in a few HIV-negative volunteers who saw serious declines in blood levels of indinavir when taking St. John’s wort. Whether that reduction (which many drugs can cause) has any effect clinically is unknown. We at DAAIR have known people who successfully used indinavir-containing regimens with no viral breakthrough even though they were on St. John’s wort for some time.