Plant Comparison
Peach-leaved bellflower vs Perforate St John’s-wort
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Peach-leaved bellflower and Perforate St John’s-wort: they share 4 indicated uses (inflammation (general), wounds, skin irritation, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Peach-leaved bellflower | Perforate St John’s-wort | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation (general) | 7/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peach-leaved bellflower |
| Wounds | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 7/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Peach-leaved bellflower |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Chlorogenic and caffeic acids are the dominant phenolics of bellflowers (antioxidant).
Flavonol glycosides such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides.
Acetylenic (polyacetylene) compounds lobetyol and lobetyolin, characteristic antioxidant constituents of the Campanulaceae.
Triterpenes and saponins reported across the genus Campanula.
Red pigments historically used to standardise extracts; contribute to antiviral activity and are the compounds responsible for photosensitivity risk.
Considered the principal compound behind the antidepressant activity and the main driver of the herb's potent CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein induction and drug-interaction profile.
Antioxidant flavonoids contributing to overall activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Bellflower extracts downregulate inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta).
Campanula macrostachya extract promoted fibroblast wound closure in vitro (genus congener).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Bellflower extract promoted fibroblast wound healing in vitro (genus congener).
inferred from anti-inflammatory / traditional topical skin use
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from traditional gargle use for throat/mouth inflammation
inferred from genus Campanula traditional use for respiratory complaints
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Peach-leaved bellflower is chiefly an edible and ornamental plant, and very little is known about medicinal use or safety of the species specifically; there are no clinical data. Use culinary amounts, and avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The pharmacological data here are for the genus Campanula and related bellflower species, not for Campanula persicifolia itself; interpret with caution.
Significant drug interactions: strongly induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing plasma levels of many drugs including oral contraceptives, antiretrovirals, cyclosporine, warfarin, and digoxin. May cause photosensitivity (fair-skinned individuals). Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs (serotonin syndrome risk). Avoid in bipolar disorder.
Duke (2002) rates St. John's wort as ++ (raised from earlier editions) and notes antidepressant, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities at experimental and clinical levels. Hypericin and hyperforin are identified as key active constituents. Clinical evidence (score 2) confirms antidepressant efficacy in mild-to-moderate depression, and WHO/Commission E provide approval for this indication. Dose: 300 mg standardized extract (0.3% hypericin, 3–5% hyperforin) three times daily. Duke emphasizes the critical drug interaction: St. John's wort is a potent CYP3A4 inducer and can significantly reduce blood levels of many medications including oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, antiretrovirals, and warfarin. Avoid combined use with SSRIs (serotonin syndrome risk) and pharmaceutical antidepressants (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Synonyms
Not documented
Botanical Description
An elegant perennial herb of the bellflower family, 30-90 cm tall, growing from a slender rhizome. It forms an overwintering rosette of narrow, leathery, finely-toothed leaves that resemble those of a peach tree (hence 'peach-leaved'); the few stem leaves are similar but smaller. The large, broad, open bell-shaped flowers - about 3-4 cm across, clear blue to lilac or white - are borne in a loose, one-sided spike in summer. Like other bellflowers it exudes a white latex when cut. It is widely grown as an ornamental garden perennial, and its young leaves and roots have historically been eaten.[1]
Erect, branching perennial herb with paired, oval leaves dotted with tiny translucent oil glands that look like pinpricks when held to the light (giving the species name 'perforatum'). Bright yellow, five-petalled flowers with numerous stamens and black dots along the petal edges are borne in flat-topped clusters, and release a reddish pigment when crushed.[4]
Habitat
Open woodland, wood margins, scrub, hedge banks and dry to moist grassland across much of Europe and into western Asia; also very widely cultivated and naturalised as a garden ornamental. It favours well-drained soils in sun or light shade.[1]
Grows in grassland, roadsides, woodland clearings and waste ground on well-drained soils; native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised elsewhere, including North America and Australia.[4]
Harvesting
Young leaves and shoots are gathered in spring for use as a salad or pot-herb (mild, faintly sweet, like other bellflowers and rampion); the flowers are gathered in summer, and the root can be dug in autumn. Chiefly a food and ornamental plant rather than a medicinal drug.[5]
The flowering tops (flower and upper leaf) are cut in summer as the flowers open, around the traditional St John's Day period, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the hypericin and hyperforin content.[4]
Traditional Uses
Peach-leaved bellflower is primarily an edible and ornamental plant rather than a classical medicinal herb: its young leaves and roots have long been eaten as a wild salad green or pot-herb, in the same way as its relative rampion (Campanula rapunculus). Folk use of bellflowers (Campanula) includes a leaf or flower infusion as a gentle gargle and wash for sore throat and mouth inflammation, and topical use of the crushed herb on inflamed skin. More broadly, the genus Campanula has traditional records of use for inflammatory, respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, backed by its phenolic, flavonoid and triterpene chemistry.[1, 5]
St John's wort has a centuries-long European folk reputation as a wound-healing and nerve tonic herb, traditionally used for mild wounds, burns and nerve pain and to lift low mood; this traditional mood-supporting use is now one of the most extensively clinically studied applications of any herbal medicine, with standardised extracts shown comparable to conventional antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression.[1, 4]
Preparations
Flowering-top extract standardised to hypericin and/or hyperforin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form for mood support.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
Clinical trials for mild-to-moderate depression commonly use around 300 mg of standardised extract three times daily (900 mg/day total); given extensive drug interactions, use should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially alongside other medicines. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
St John's wort raises serotonin activity and can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonin-boosting agents; pairing it with another mood-active, serotonergic herb such as saffron may add to this risk.[30]
St John's wort is a strong enzyme inducer and increases serotonin activity; combining it with another antidepressant-type herb such as rhodiola may add to serotonergic effects and unpredictably change how each is handled by the body.[30]
St John's wort speeds up the breakdown of many substances and also raises serotonin activity; pairing it with a sedative herb such as valerian may add to drowsiness and can unpredictably change how each is handled by the body.[30, 31]
St John's wort is a strong enzyme inducer and kava is a liver-metabolised sedative; combining them may add to central-nervous-system effects and alter how kava is processed, so combined use warrants caution.[30, 31]
References & Sources
- Alhage, J. and Rahman, A.A. and Al-Bayssari, C. and Raad, M.T (2025) 'Bioactive Compounds Isolated from the Campanula Genus: A Review', Molecules, 30(23), pp. 4495. doi:10.3390/molecules30234495 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234495 - Dumlu, M.U. and Gurkan, E. and Tuzlaci, E (2008) 'Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Campanula alliariifolia', Natural Product Research, 22(6), pp. 477-482. doi:10.1080/14786410701640429 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410701640429 - Sarikurkcu, C. and Kargin Solmaz, F.O. and Isitez, N. and Erdogmus, S.F (2026) 'Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extract of Campanula macrostachya enhances fibroblast repair via antioxidant and cytokine-modulatory mechanisms', Protoplasma, 263(4), pp. 1361-1372. doi:10.1007/s00709-026-02192-z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-026-02192-z - Sarabandi, K. and Dashipour, A. and Izadi, Z. and Akbarbaglu, Z. and Katouzian, I. and Jafari, S.M (2023) 'Nutritional, biological, and structural properties of bioactive peptides from bellflower (Campanula latifolia), Persian-willow, and bitter-orange pollens', Journal of Food Science, 88(7), pp. 3119-3133. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.16658 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16658 - Guarrera, P.M. and Savo, V (2016) 'Wild food plants used in traditional vegetable mixtures in Italy', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 185, pp. 202-234. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.050 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.02.050
- Ng, Q.X., Venkatanarayanan, N. and Ho, C.Y.X (2017) 'Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis', Journal of Affective Disorders, 210, pp. 211-221. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048 - Kholghi, G., Arjmandi-Rad, S., Zarrindast, M.R. and Vaseghi, S (2022) 'St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems?', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 395(6), pp. 629-642. doi:10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z - Fugh-Berman, A (2000) 'Herb-drug interactions', Lancet, 355(9198), pp. 134-138. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)06457-0 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(99)06457-0 - Nobakht, S.Z., Akaberi, M., Mohammadpour, A.H., Tafazoli Moghadam, A. and Emami, S.A (2022) 'Hypericum perforatum: Traditional uses, clinical trials, and drug interactions', Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 25(9), pp. 1045-1058. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2022.65112.14338 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.22038/IJBMS.2022.65112.14338 - Jiang, Z., Wang, F., Zhao, Y., Lu, L., Jiang, X., Huang, T., Lin, Y., Guo, L., Weng, Z. and Liu, E (2024) 'Hypericum perforatum L. attenuates depression by regulating Akkermansia muciniphila, tryptophan metabolism and NFkB-NLRP2-Caspase1-IL1beta pathway', Phytomedicine, 132, pp. 155847. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155847 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155847 - Oliveira, A.I., Pinho, C., Sarmento, B. and Dias, A.C.P (2016) 'Neuroprotective Activity of Hypericum perforatum and Its Major Components', Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, pp. 1004. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01004 - Russo, E., Scicchitano, F., Whalley, B.J., Mazzitello, C., Ciriaco, M., Esposito, S., Patane, M., Upton, R., Pugliese, M., Chimirri, S., Mammi, M., Palleria, C. and De Sarro, G (2013) 'Hypericum perforatum: pharmacokinetic, mechanism of action, tolerability, and clinical drug-drug interactions', Phytotherapy Research, 28(5), pp. 643-655. doi:10.1002/ptr.5050 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5050 - Saddiqe, Z., Naeem, I. and Maimoona, A (2010) 'A review of the antibacterial activity of Hypericum perforatum L', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 131(3), pp. 511-521. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.07.034 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.07.034 - Mennini, T. and Gobbi, M (2004) 'The antidepressant mechanism of Hypericum perforatum', Life Sciences, 75(9), pp. 1021-1027. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.04.005 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2004.04.005 - Liu, Y., Jiang, Y., Huang, R., Yang, J., Xiao, B. and Dong, J (2013) 'Hypericum perforatum L. preparations for menopause: a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety', Climacteric, 17(4), pp. 325-335. doi:10.3109/13697137.2013.861814 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/13697137.2013.861814 - Wurglics, M. and Schubert-Zsilavecz, M (2006) 'Hypericum perforatum: a 'modern' herbal antidepressant: pharmacokinetics of active ingredients', Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 45(5), pp. 449-468. doi:10.2165/00003088-200645050-00002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-200645050-00002 - Kasper, S (2001) 'Hypericum perforatum - a review of clinical studies', Pharmacopsychiatry, 34(Suppl 1), pp. S51-S55. doi:10.1055/s-2001-15467 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-15467 - Nathan, P (1999) 'The experimental and clinical pharmacology of St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)', Molecular Psychiatry, 4(4), pp. 333-338. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4000557 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4000557 - Verotta, L (2003) 'Hypericum perforatum, a source of neuroactive lead structures', Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 3(2), pp. 187-201. doi:10.2174/1568026033392589 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026033392589 - Linde, K. et al (2008) 'St John'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=St%20John - Natural Standard (2013) 'Hypericum perforatum (St'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hypericum%20perforatum%20%28St - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Zhou, S., Chan, E., Pan, S.Q., Huang, M. and Lee, E.J.D (2004) 'Pharmacokinetic interactions of drugs with St John's wort', Journal of Psychopharmacology, 18(2), pp. 262-276. doi:10.1177/0269881104042632 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881104042632 - Izzo, A.A. and Ernst, E (2009) 'Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review', Drugs, 69(13), pp. 1777-1798. doi:10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/11317010-000000000-00000 - Borrelli, F. and Izzo, A.A (2009) 'Herb-drug interactions with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): an update on clinical observations', The AAPS Journal, 11(4), pp. 710-727. doi:10.1208/s12248-009-9146-8 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1208/s12248-009-9146-8 - Nicolussi, S., Drewe, J., Butterweck, V. and Meyer zu Schwabedissen, H.E (2020) 'Clinical relevance of St. John's wort drug interactions revisited', British Journal of Pharmacology, 177(6), pp. 1212-1226. doi:10.1111/bph.14936 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14936 - Piscitelli, S.C., Burstein, A.H., Chaitt, D., Alfaro, R.M. and Falloon, J (2000) 'Indinavir concentrations and St John's wort', Lancet, 355(9203), pp. 547-548. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(99)05712-8 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(99)05712-8 - Barone, G.W., Gurley, B.J., Ketel, B.L., Lightfoot, M.L. and Abul-Ezz, S.R (2000) 'Drug interaction between St. John's wort and cyclosporine', Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 34(9), pp. 1013-1016. doi:10.1345/aph.10088 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.10088 - Murphy, P.A., Kern, S.E., Stanczyk, F.Z. and Westhoff, C.L (2005) 'Interaction of St. John's Wort with oral contraceptives: effects on the pharmacokinetics of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, ovarian activity and breakthrough bleeding', Contraception, 71(6), pp. 402-408. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2004.11.004 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2004.11.004 - Murphy, P.A., Kern, S.E., Stanczyk, F.Z. and Westhoff, C.L (2005) 'Interaction of St. John's Wort with oral contraceptives: effects on the pharmacokinetics of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, ovarian activity and breakthrough bleeding', Contraception, 71(6), pp. 402-408. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2004.11.004 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2004.11.004 - Pfrunder, A., Schiesser, M., Gerber, S., Haschke, M., Bitzer, J. and Drewe, J (2003) 'Interaction of St John's wort with low-dose oral contraceptive therapy: a randomized controlled trial', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 56(6), pp. 683-690. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.02005.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.02005.x - Johne, A., Brockmoller, J., Bauer, S., Maurer, A., Langheinrich, M. and Roots, I (1999) 'Pharmacokinetic interaction of digoxin with an herbal extract from St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)', Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 66(4), pp. 338-345. doi:10.1053/cp.1999.v66.a101944 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1053/cp.1999.v66.a101944 - Mathijssen, R.H.J., Verweij, J., de Bruijn, P., Loos, W.J. and Sparreboom, A (2002) 'Effects of St. John's wort on irinotecan metabolism', Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 94(16), pp. 1247-1249. doi:10.1093/jnci/94.16.1247 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/94.16.1247 - Smith, P., Bullock, J.M., Booker, B.M., Haas, C.E., Berenson, C.S. and Jusko, W.J (2004) 'The influence of St. John's wort on the pharmacokinetics and protein binding of imatinib mesylate', Pharmacotherapy, 24(11), pp. 1508-1514. doi:10.1592/phco.24.16.1508.50958 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.24.16.1508.50958 - Izzo, A.A (2004) 'Drug interactions with St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): a review of the clinical evidence', International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 42(3), pp. 139-148. doi:10.5414/cpp42139 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.5414/cpp42139 - Caus, M.N., Lupoae, M. and Chitescu, C.L (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks', Pharmaceuticals, 19(3), pp. 399. doi:10.3390/ph19030399 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030399
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.