St. Johnʼs wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems?

Kholghi, Gita; Arjmandi-Rad, Shirin; Zarrindast, Mohammad‐Reza; Vaseghi, Salar

doi:10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z

Cited by 13 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 143 publications

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“…This was also supported by a study concluding that hippocampal release of acetylcholine in the hippocampus occurs via an indirect mechanism which is calcium-dependent 12 . Additionally, modulation of free intracellular sodium concentrations and interaction with sodium-hydrogen exchangers 23 may also be involved.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cholinergic Receptor Binding Profile of Hypericum perforatum L. and its Active Constituents

Hamurtekin¹,

Hamurtekin²,

Matucci³

et al. 2022

International J. of Pharmacology

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Background and Objective: Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) is a popular herbal medicine with different pharmacological effects. This study investigated the possible cholinergic receptor affinities of HP extract and its three active constituents: hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin. Materials and Methods: Radioactive compounds [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine used for muscarinic receptor binding studies in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human muscarinic receptor subtypes and [3H]-cytisine used for nicotinic receptor binding tests performed with mouse brains without a cerebellum. Muscarinic binding inhibition was observed with HP extract considerably for hM2 and hM5. Results: Hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin showed a much lower affinity for muscarinic receptors at higher concentrations. The HP extract and its constituents did not produce any nicotinic receptor binding inhibition. Conclusion: These results suggested that post-junctional direct muscarinic receptor interaction may modulate some effects of HP extract and its constituents however different mechanisms apart from direct cholinergic receptor interaction might be considered for the pharmacological actions of hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cholinergic Receptor Binding Profile of Hypericum perforatum L. and its Active Constituents

Hamurtekin¹,

Hamurtekin²,

Matucci³

et al. 2022

International J. of Pharmacology

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“…Likewise, the secondary metabolites of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) (i.e., 12 alkaloids and 35 withanolides) are possibly responsible for the reduction in depression symptoms [ 98 ]. Two major active components of Hypericum perforatum , hyperforin and hypericin, are proposed to induce a dualistic modulation of the activity of cholinergic signaling, which can be an interesting topic for future studies [ 99 ]. Studies using several models have shown that secondary metabolites derived from Hypericum perforatum possibly increase BDNF or activate its signaling pathway [ 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity

Sánchez-Rojas

Cuchimba

Pineda

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Depression is considered the most important disorder affecting mental health. The aim of this systematic integrative review was: (i) to describe the effects of supplementation with adaptogens on variables related to depression in adults; and (ii) to discuss the potential combination with physical exercise to aid planning and commissioning future clinical research. An integrative review was developed complementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021249682). A total of 41 articles met the inclusion criteria. With a Price index of 46.4%, we found that: (i) Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) is the most studied and supported adaptogen (17/41 [41.46%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis) followed by Crocus sativus L. or saffron (6/41 [14.63%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis and two systematic reviews); (ii) it is possible that the significantly better performance of adaptogens over placebo is due to the reduction of allostatic load via the action of secondary metabolites on BDNF regulation; and, (iii) the number of studies reporting physical activity levels is limited or null for those that combine an exercise program with the consumption of adaptogens. Aware of the need for a multidisciplinary approach for depression treatment, this systematic integrative review provides an up-to-date view for supporting the use of St. John’s Wort and saffron as non-pharmacological strategies while also help commissioning future research on the efficacy of other adaptogens. It also contributes to the design of future clinical research studies that evaluate the consumption of herbal extracts plus physical exercise, mainly resistance training, as a potentially safe and powerful strategy to treat depression.

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“…Hyp appears to be effective when dealing with different psychiatric and mood disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders (Kholghi et al, 2022). A range of studies has pointed out that Hyp exhibits therapeutic effects on depression.…”

Section: Pharmacological Effects Of Hypericinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety

Peng,

Lu,

Liu

et al. 2023

Phytotherapy Research

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Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.

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St. Johnʼs wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems?

Cited by 13 publications

References 143 publications

Cholinergic Receptor Binding Profile of Hypericum perforatum L. and its Active Constituents

Cholinergic Receptor Binding Profile of Hypericum perforatum L. and its Active Constituents

Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity

Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety

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