Hypericum perforatum, known as
Perforate St John's-wort,
Common Saint John's wort and
St John's wort, is a
flowering plant in the family
Hypericaceae. The common name "St John's wort" may be used to refer to any species of the genus
Hypericum. Therefore,
Hypericum perforatum is sometimes called "Common St John's wort" or "Perforate St John's wort" in order to differentiate it. It is a
medicinal herb with
antidepressant activity and potent anti-inflammatory properties as an
arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and
COX-1 inhibitor.