St. John´s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal remedy. Some parents and practitioners have explored its use in managing symptoms of autism like irritability. St. John’s Wort is most commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and related mood disorders. It is believed to work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play roles in mood regulation. There is little to no rigorous scientific research directly examining the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort for treating core symptoms of autism, such as communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, or social interaction difficulties. St. John’s Wort is known to interact with a wide range of medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, anticoagulants, and anticonvulsants. These interactions can either reduce the effectiveness of these medications or increase the risk of side effects. Potential side effects of St. John’s Wort include photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, and fatigue. For children with autism, who may already have sensory sensitivities, these side effects could be particularly problematic. Before considering St. John’s Wort or any herbal supplement for autism, consult with a healthcare provider. This is particularly important due to potential drug interactions and side effects.