What is the main active compound in St. John's Wort?

The main active compound in St. John's Wort is hypericin. This compound is a type of naphthodianthrone, which is believed to contribute to the herb's therapeutic effects, particularly for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Hypericin is thought to exert its effects by influencing neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Flavonoids, while present in St. John's Wort, are not the primary active compounds associated with its health benefits. They contribute to the plant's overall properties but do not serve as the main therapeutic agents. Caffeine and gingerol are compounds linked to different plants (caffeine to coffee and gingerol to ginger), thus they have no relevance in the context of St. John's Wort. This makes hypericin stand out as the key active component responsible for the herb's medicinal properties.