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336 C.I. Istokoglou et al PSYCHIATRIKI 21 (4), 2010ered to be a monoaminoxidase inhibitor (ΜΑΟ) andan inhibitor of serotonine reuptake. 22–29ConclusionsIn the present thesis, we have studied the functionof Saint John’s Wort, as well as the time and methodof its application to treat depression, and the rest ofits therapeutic applications. Furthermore, its historyhas been studied based on bibliographic resources,mainly the work of eminent roman physician andbotanologist Pedanius Dioscorides, in the 5th cent.a.c. Also, we have examined its effectiveness, as wellas all comparative studies with synthetic anti-depressants,and protocols under development, regardingthe treatment properties of Hypericum in many otherillness conditions of our times.People suffering with mild and moderate depressioncan be treated sucessfuly with Saint John’s Wort,without having to sacrifice their quality of life or theirhealth. This herb comprises an unusual combinationof safety, effectiveness, a vast scale of benefits, alack of serious side-effects and low cost. An extensiveEuropean research on Saint John’s Wort hashad positive results, and the National Mental HealthInstitution of the USA, is now conducting a proprietaryresearch worth 4.3 billion dollars, comparingthe Hypericum to a placebo and the known pharmaceuticalanti-depressants.The popularity of Hypericum (St. John’s Wort), hasrenewed the people’s recognition and acceptanceof natual drugs, through average people that lookbeyond conventional medicine to find solution intheir problems of health. By all means, these peopleshould not diagnose themselves, or follow a treatmentof their own contrivance. In any case, thereare financial aspects that make specialized helpnon-available to many people. In any case, threatmentwith Saint John’s Wort without a prescriptionis frequently needed. We make a part of nature,and natural substances are more compatible withhuman biology than synthetic substances. Our dependencefrom technological medicine, includingpharmaceutical products, did not sufficiently freepeople of the disease. The increase of expenses onhealth also urges the need to use these even lessexpensive products.This is a wonderful moment for one to be a doctor,with a multitude of new treatment possibilitiesopening every day. We also observe that most doctorshave been motivated and have the curiosity toestablish the best, less harmful methods to help theirpatients.Let us use Hypericum as a bridge between establishedand alternative treatments, and let uscontinue to enlarge the vast sphere of natural treatments.This extensive approach can lead us to anincreasing appreciation of our natural resources.Preserving what we have destroyed is our onlyhope for the future of mankind, the planet, and allliving organisms. 30,31