Neuroendocrine evidence for dopaminergic actions of hypericum extract (LI 160) in healthy volunteers

Franklin, M.; Chi, Jingduan; McGavin, Cameron; Hockney, R.; Reed, Alison S.; Campling, Gillian; Whale, Richard; Cowen, Philip J.

doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00102-x

Cited by 73 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Plasma cortisol concentrations were unchanged. These findings suggest that this dose of St John's wort extract may increase aspects of brain dopamine function in humans, although further studies are required to confirm this, to assess dose-response relationships, and to determine whether there is evidence for effects on dopaminergic systems in patients with depression treated with St John's wort (Franklin et al 1999). Another study, which utilised a randomised, 3-way, cross-over design, investigated the effects of a single dose of St John's wort extract (LI 160S) 600 mg, 300 mg, or placebo, on hormone concentrations in 12 healthy male volunteers (Laakman et al 2000).…”

Section: Antidepressant Activitymentioning

confidence: 85%

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties

Barnes

Anderson

Phillipson

2001

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

688

462

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The chemical composition of St. John's wort has been well-studied. Documented pharmacological activities, including antidepressant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, provide supporting evidence for several of the traditional uses stated for St John's wort. Many pharmacological activities appear to be attributable to hypericin and to the flavonoid constituents ; hypericin is also reported to be responsible for the photosensitive reactions that have been documented for St. John's wort. With regard to the antidepressant effects of St John's wort, hyperforin, rather than hypericin as originally thought, has emerged as one of the major constituents responsible for antidepressant activity. Further research is required to determine which other constituents contribute to the antidepressant effect.Evidence from randomised controlled trials has confirmed the efficacy of St John's wort extracts over placebo in the treatment of mild-to-moderately severe depression. Other randomised controlled studies have provided some evidence that St John's wort extracts are as effective as some standard antidepressants in mild-to-moderate depression. There is still a need for further trials to assess the efficacy of St John's wort extracts, compared with that of standard antidepressants, particularly newer antidepressant agents, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (recent comparative studies with fluoxetine and sertraline have been conducted). Also, there is a need for further studies in well-defined groups of patients, in different types of depression, and conducted over longer periods in order to determine longterm safety. St John's wort does appear to have a more favourable short-term safety profile than do standard antidepressants, a factor that is likely to be important in patients continuing to take medication.Concerns have been raised over interactions between St John's wort and certain prescribed medicines (including warfarin, ciclosporin, theophylline, digoxin, HIV protease inhibitors, anticonvulsants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, triptans, oral contraceptives) ; advice is that patients taking these medicines should stop taking St John's wort, generally after seeking professional advice as dose adjustment of conventional treatment may be necessary.

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Section: Antidepressant Activitymentioning

confidence: 85%

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties

Barnes

Anderson

Phillipson

2001

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

688

462

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In an unblinded pilot study of this research group [16], a significant increase of the salivary COR concentrations in 6 healthy males after oral administration of 2,700 mg LI 160 was found. However, when giving 2,700 mg LI 160 orally to 12 healthy subjects in a double-blind placebo-controlled study, elevated COR levels were seen only in 4 out of the 12 subjects, without reaching statistical significance [12].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…In the former investigation [9], WS 5570 caused a weak but significant cortisol (COR) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner (COR stimulation after 600 mg, but not after 300 mg WS 5570). In contrast to a study performed by Franklin et al [12], who administered the SJW extract LI 160 at a high dosage (2,700 mg p.o. ), in our former investigation [9], the stimulatory effects of WS 5570 on the growth hormone (GH) secretion were inconsistent, and no inhibitory influence of WS 5570 on the prolactin (PRL) secretion was seen.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 75%

Endocrinological Effects of High-Dose <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> Extract WS 5570 in Healthy Subjects

Schüle

Baghai²,

Sauer³

et al. 2004

Neuropsychobiology

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In this single-blind study, the effects of acute oral administration of high-dose Hypericum perforatum extract WS 5570 on the cortisol (COR), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) secretions were examined in 12 healthy male volunteers. In a randomized order, the subjects received placebo or WS 5570 at several dosages (600, 900, and 1,200 mg) at 08.00 h on 4 different days. After insertion of an intravenous catheter, blood samples were drawn 1 h prior to administration of placebo or WS 5570 (600, 900, or 1,200 mg), at the time of administration, and during 5 h thereafter at intervals of 30 min. The serum concentrations of COR, GH, and PRL as well as the plasma levels of ACTH were determined in each blood sample by means of double antibody radioimmunoassay, fluoroimmunoassay, and chemiluminescence immunometric assay methods. The area under the curve value was used as parameter for COR, ACTH, GH, and PRL responses. Repeated-measures Anova revealed a significant stimulatory effect of WS 5570 on the ACTH secretion, whereas COR and PRL secretions were not significantly influenced. Moreover, there was a stimulatory peak of GH release 240 min after challenge with WS 5570 in some but not all volunteers, without reaching statistical significance in comparison with placebo. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate remained unchanged after administration of WS 5570. Apparently, WS 5570 at the dosages given in this study inconsistently causes endocrinological effects in healthy subjects by influencing central neurotransmitters.

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“…Hypericum may also increase growth hormone and decrease plasma prolactin, though the significance of these changes remains unknown. Plasma cortisol levels were found to be unchanged with hypericum 25 .…”

Section: Mechanism Of Actionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Efficacy and safety of St. John's wort for the treatment of major depression

Nangia

Waqar

Doraiswamy

2000

Public Health Nutr.

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Neuroendocrine evidence for dopaminergic actions of hypericum extract (LI 160) in healthy volunteers

Cited by 73 publications

References 7 publications

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): a review of its chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties

Endocrinological Effects of High-Dose <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> Extract WS 5570 in Healthy Subjects

Efficacy and safety of St. John's wort for the treatment of major depression

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