The influence of hypericin, hypericum total extract, and hypericum fractions on the activity of MAO and COMT, prepared in vitro from pork liver, were investigated in several concentration steps. An inhibition of MAO could be shown in the following concentrations (extract correlated to a mean molecular value of 500): hypericin to 10-3 mol/ L, hypericum total extract to 10-4 mol/L, one extract fraction up to 10-5. A COMT inhibition could not be shown for hypericin, with hypericum extract to 10-4 mol/L and with two extract fractions also up to 10-4 mol/L. The MAO inhibiting fraction contained hypericins as well as flavonols, the COMT-inhibition fraction being mainly flavonols and xanthones. The concentrations of inhibition shown might not be sufficient to explain the clinically proven antidepressive effect of hypericum particularly with regard to the inhibition of MAO activity.
The aim of this open, multicentre study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and tolerance of the Devil's Claw extract LI 174 in patients suffering from non-radicular back pain over a period of at least 6 months. A total of 130 patients were treated twice a day with tablets containing 480 mg LI 174. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. The effectiveness was judged according to the Multidimensional Pain Scale (MPS), Arhus back pain index and to parameters evaluating the mobility of the lumbar spine (finger-floor distance, Schober's sign). Data from 117 patients were evaluated for efficacy. The results showed a significant improvement of pain symptoms and mobility of the affected sections of the patient's spine in the course of treatment. No serious side effects were observed. In view of the excellent compliance and tolerability the investigated extract appears to be an effective plant alternative for the treatment of chronic back pain. However, further studies will be needed to clarify the therapeutic value of this plant remedy.
The influence of hypericin, hypericum total extract, and hypericum fractions on the activity of MAO and COMT, prepared in vitro from pork liver, were investigated in several concentration steps. An inhibition of MAO could be shown in the following concentrations (extract correlated to a mean molecular value of 500): hypericin to 10(-3) mol/L, hypericum total extract to 10(-4) mol/L, one extract fraction up to 10(-5). A COMT inhibition could not be shown for hypericin, with hypericum extract to 10(-4) mol/L and with two extract fractions also up to 10(-4) mol/L. The MAO inhibiting fraction contained hypericins as well as flavonols, the COMT-inhibition fraction being mainly flavonols and xanthones. The concentrations of inhibition shown might not be sufficient to explain the clinically proven antidepressive effect of hypericum particularly with regard to the inhibition of MAO activity.
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