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EFFICACY OF ST. JOHN’S WORT EXTRACT IN PATIENTS WITH POST-STROKE DEPRESSION

YI TIAN *, KONGLIANG SHU, YINAN LIU, DEREN HOU

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This study examined the antioxidant properties of St. John's Wort (SJW) extract and its effects on post-stroke depression (PSD). Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the main components of SJW extract were identified as rutin (24.78%), hyperoside (20.50%), and isoquercitin (26.15%). Eighty PSD patients were divided into control (routine treatment) and observation (routine treatment + SJW extract) groups. Neurological function, depression, anxiety and daily living ability were assessed using validated scales. Serum levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA, 8-OHdG, SOD, GSH-Px) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were measured by ELISA. After 8 weeks, the observation group showed significant improvements in SSS, NIHSS, HAMD, HAMA, SDS, and Barthel Index scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers decreased, while neuroprotective factors (BDNF, TrkB, NP, 5-HT) increased. The overall efficacy rate was 95% in the observation group vs. 75% in the control group, with fewer adverse reactions (5% vs. 12.5%). SJW extract demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, significantly improving neurological function, mood and daily activities while reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in PSD patients.