Reassessment of the toxicity of 'Hypericum perforatum' (St John's wort) for cattle

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of administering sufficient 'Hypericum perforatum' to cattle to deliver quadruple the reported oral toxic dose. Animals Thirty-six yearling Hereford (n = 18) and Angus (n = 18) steers. Design A series of six experiments was conducted, each using 12 animals in a 22 factorial Design, with two breeds of cattle (Hereford, Angus) and two dose levels of hypericin, 1.5 mg/kg (treated group) and 0 mg/kg (control group). Each set of 12 steers was used in duplicate experiments, with all animals alternated between treated and control groups. Procedures Treated groups received finely milled 'H perforatum' administered orally in gelatin capsules to provide 1.5 mg hypericin/kg body weight. All cattle were then exposed to direct sunlight for 5 h per day for 5 successive days. Rectal temperatures were measured immediately before and at the end of each sunlight exposure session. Rectal temperature above 40C, together with some other clinical sign of hypericin poisoning, was considered indicative of intoxication. Results No animals developed a rectal temperature above 40C or other clinical signs of hypericin poisoning. Conclusions While the reported bovine oral toxic dose of 3 g dried plant/kg body weight, for flowering stage, presumed narrow leaved biotype, 'H perforatum', is probably correct, the corresponding dose for hypericin of 0.37 mg/kg is incorrect. Based on its known concentration in this plant the toxic dose of hypericin for partially pigmented Hereford-cross cattle is estimated at about 10.5 mg/kg body weight and more than this for fully pigmented cattle. This would imply that cattle of the former type should be about three and a half times better protected against H perforatum toxicity than are unpigmented, wool protected, Merino sheep. Cattle, particularly if fully pigmented, may have a role in grazing management to control 'H perforatum'.