Hypericum perforatum is a perennial herb with bright yellow flowers and was named after St John the Baptist.
St John’s Wort was traditionally used in an oily extract to aid in healing minor wounds and alleviate inflammation from first degree burns and sunburn.
Extracts of H. perforatum have been shown to have antioxidant activity by scavenging superoxides in a dose dependant manner. Studies on the topical applications of St John’s Wort suggests therapeutic potential for dermatological disorders such as skin inflammation. Specifically, transepidermal water loss from the skin may be reduced by hyperforin, a plant phytochemical.
