Neuropharmacology of St. John's wort (Hypericum)

Author(s): Bennett, D. A., Phun, L. , Polk, J. F. , Voglino, S. A. , Zlotnik, V. , Raffa, R. B.

Journal/Book: Ann Pharmacother. 1998; 32(11): 1201-1208.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To review preclinical information related to possible antidepressant mechanism(s) of action of St. John's wort in order to address the issue of whether its purported clinical effectiveness has a rational pharmacologic basis. DATA SOURCES: Primary and review articles were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966-January 1998) and through secondary sources. Many of the original German articles had English abstracts, but where necessary, German articles wer e translated into English. The results: of a new screen of hypericin activity at receptor and uptake sites are summarized. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All Of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in this review. ase (MAO) inhibitors, might play a role, but other mechanisms are possible. of hypericin for sigma receptors presents new possibilities for consideration.

Keyword(s): phyto. cr. hypericum.

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