Antidepressant effects

While hypericin has received most of the attention in scientific research, there are other chemicals in St. John's wort that may contribute to its antidepressant effects. These ingredients have a number of additional properties, as well. Here are some of the herb's primary chemical constituents and their actions:

Hypericin and other dianthrone derivatives		Antidepressive and antiviral
Flavonols		Astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral
Flavonoids		Anti-inflammatory, sedative, diuretic, tumor inhibiting, antidiarrheal, capillary strengthening, and coronary- artery dilating
Xanthones		Antidepressant, antimicrobial, antiviral, diuretic, and cardiotonic
Phloroglucinol derivatives		Antibacterial
Essential oil components		Antifungal
N-Alkanols		May help neurological disorders
Carotenoids		May explain burn-healing activity
Phytosterols		Can help reduce cholesterol levels