A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for pain conditions in dental practice

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A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for pain conditions in dental practice

Raak et al., 2012 | Homeopathy | Systematic Review

Citation

Raak Christa, Büssing Arndt, ... Ostermann Thomas. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) for pain conditions in dental practice. Homeopathy. 2012-Oct;101(4):204-10. doi:10.1016/j.homp.2012.08.001

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) has been used for a variety of medicinal indications. Most recent research has focussed on its use in herbal form for depression, but its claimed analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in homeopathic form have also led to a number of studies in patients with acute pain conditions. This systematic review overviews the literature on the use of St. John's Wort for pain conditions in homeopathic dental practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, CAMbase and the electronic archives of Thieme Publishers were searched with the search terms "(Hypericum OR St. Johns Wort) AND pain". We reviewed and meta-analysed the evidence on Hypericum in pain after tooth extraction was carried out. RESULTS: Twenty one relevant articles were found: four described general recommendations, three basic research, six reported studies in dental care and eight were expert opinions or case reports. Four studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. There was marked high heterogeneity in the effects pain (Chi-Squared = 26.46; I(2) = 0.89). The overall effect of 0.24 (95% CI: [0.06; 1.03]) favours Hypericum but is not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although case reports suggest therapeutic potential of Hypericum for pain conditions in dental care, this effect is not currently supported by clinical studies. All studies included in this meta-analysis used Arnica montana as well as Hypericum the results are more influenced by Arnica than Hypericum. Further clinical controlled trials of Hypericum alone in dental practice should be performed.

Key Findings

Twenty one relevant articles were found: four described general recommendations, three basic research, six reported studies in dental care and eight were expert opinions or case reports. Four studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. There was marked high heterogeneity in the effects pain (Chi-Squared = 26.46; I(2) = 0.89). The overall effect of 0.24 (95% CI: [0.06; 1.03]) favours Hypericum but is not statistically significant.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population acute pain conditions
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Dental Anxiety
  • Dental Care
  • Homeopathy
  • Humans
  • Hypericum
  • Pain
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: st.-john's-wort

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09