1
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Yokotani K, Yamazaki Y, Shimura F, Umegaki K. Comparison of CYP Induction by Coleus forskohlii Extract and Recovery in the Small Intestine and Liver of Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 43:116-123. [PMID: 31902916 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We examined CYP induction and recovery at various doses of Coleus forskohlii extract (CFE) to assess potential drug interactions by a mechanism involving intestinal CYP. Mice were administered diets with various doses of CFE up to 0.5% (equivalent to 700-800 mg/kg body weight) for 2 weeks, then CFE was withdrawn for 3 d. Changes in CYP activities and mRNA expression in the small intestine and liver were then evaluated. CFE induced CYP in the small intestine at a higher dose compared to the liver; CYP3A was induced at 0.5% and 0.005% CFE in the small intestine and liver, respectively. There was no sex difference in CFE dose for CYP induction. CYP induction quickly reverted after withdrawal of CFE, especially for CYP3A, in the small intestine; whereas, a gradual recovery was observed in the liver. In conclusion, CFE induced CYP in the small intestine and liver; however, a higher dose of CFE was needed for the small intestine. Moreover, the induction was soon recovered, suggesting actual interactions of CFE with prescription drugs are unlikely to occur through CYP in the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Yokotani
- Department of Food Safety and Management, Showa Women's University
| | | | - Fumio Shimura
- Graduate Schoool of Human Life Sciences, Jumonji University
| | - Keizo Umegaki
- Department of Food Safety and Management, Showa Women's University
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2
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Hlengwa N, Muller CJF, Basson AK, Bowles S, Louw J, Awortwe C. Herbal supplements interactions with oral oestrogen-based contraceptive metabolism and transport. Phytother Res 2020; 34:1519-1529. [PMID: 32017271 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The increased use of herbal supplements as complementary or alternative medicines has become a clinical conundrum due to the potential for herb-drug interactions. This is exacerbated by an increased supply of new herbal supplements in the market claiming various health advantages. These herbal supplements are available as over-the-counter self-medications. Herbal supplements are generally perceived as efficacious without side effects commonly associated with conventional drugs. However, despite regulations, claims related to their therapeutic effects are mostly unsupported by scientific evidence. These products often lack suitable product quality controls, labelled inadequately and with batch to batch variations, potentially compromising the safety of the consumer. Amongst health practitioners, the greatest concern is related to the lack of chemical characterization of the active compounds of the herbal supplements. The interaction between these different active components and their concomitant effects on other conventional drugs is generally not known. This review will focus on herbal supplements with the potential to effect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oestrogen-based oral contraceptives. The use of herbal supplements for weight management, depression, and immune boosting benefits were selected as likely herbal supplements to be used concomitantly by women on oral contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nokulunga Hlengwa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwa-Dlangezwa, South Africa
| | - Christo J F Muller
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwa-Dlangezwa, South Africa.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Albertus K Basson
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwa-Dlangezwa, South Africa
| | - Sandra Bowles
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Johan Louw
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwa-Dlangezwa, South Africa
| | - Charles Awortwe
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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3
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Nicolussi S, Drewe J, Butterweck V, Meyer Zu Schwabedissen HE. Clinical relevance of St. John's wort drug interactions revisited. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1212-1226. [PMID: 31742659 PMCID: PMC7056460 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The first clinically relevant reports of preparations of St. John's wort (SJW), a herbal medicine with anti‐depressant effects, interacting with other drugs, altering their bioavailability and efficacy, were published about 20 years ago. In 2000, a pharmacokinetic interaction between SJW and cyclosporine caused acute rejection in two heart transplant patients. Since then, subsequent research has shown that SJW altered the pharmacokinetics of drugs such as digoxin, tacrolimus, indinavir, warfarin, alprazolam, simvastatin, or oral contraceptives. These interactions were caused by pregnane‐X‐receptor (PXR) activation. Preparations of SJW are potent activators of PXR and hence inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes (most importantly CYP3A4) and P‐glycoprotein. The degree of CYP3A4 induction correlates significantly with the hyperforin content in the preparation. Twenty years after the first occurrence of clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions with SJW, this review revisits the current knowledge of the mechanisms of action and on how pharmacokinetic drug interactions with SJW could be avoided. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Nicolussi
- Medical Research, Max Zeller Söhne AG, Romanshorn, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Drewe
- Medical Research, Max Zeller Söhne AG, Romanshorn, Switzerland
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Zahner C, Kruttschnitt E, Uricher J, Lissy M, Hirsch M, Nicolussi S, Krähenbühl S, Drewe J. No Clinically Relevant Interactions of St. John's Wort Extract Ze 117 Low in Hyperforin With Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and P-glycoprotein. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2019; 106:432-440. [PMID: 30739325 PMCID: PMC6766782 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort) is used to treat mild-to-moderate depression. Its potential safety risks are pharmacokinetic drug interactions via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and P-glycoprotein, presumably caused by hyperforin. In a phase I, open-label, nonrandomized, single-sequence study, the low-hyperforin Hypericum extract Ze 117 was investigated using a drug cocktail in 20 healthy volunteers. No pharmacokinetic interactions of Ze 117 were observed for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and P-glycoprotein. Area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) of the used probe drugs showed 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios of the drugs taken together with Ze 117 vs. probe drug alone, well within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80-125%. Though Ze 117 did not induce dextromethorphan metabolism by CYP2D6, it weakly increased dextromethorphan AUC ratio (mean 147.99, 95% CI 126.32-173.39) but not the corresponding metabolic ratio. Ze 117 does not show clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions with important CYPs and P-glycoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Kojima A, Sato Y, Chiba T, Umegaki K. [Notable Adverse Events Associated with Concomitant Use of Health Foods and Drugs Derived from the Analysis of HFNet Data on the Safety and Effectiveness of Health Foods]. Food Hygiene and Safety Science (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi) 2018; 59:80-88. [PMID: 29695676 DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.59.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Health foods are commonly consumed at their own discretion by patients with various diseases who are also being treated with conventional drugs. Both health foods and drugs are diverse, and enormous numbers of possible combinations exist, so that it is very difficult to identify adverse events that may occur due to their interactions. Here, we analyzed the characteristics of adverse events related to the concomitant use of health foods and drugs using data from the "Information system on safety and effectiveness for health foods (HFNet)" website (https://hfnet.nibiohn.go.jp/) compiled by the Food Function and Labeling Department of the National Institute of Health and Nutrition of Japan. We identified 64 reports and 71 patients, and characterized them according to symptom severity and drug classification. The analysis revealed that symptoms of liver dysfunction were mainly reported in patients receiving high-risk drugs, such as antiepileptic, antineoplastic, antiarrhythmic, and antithrombotic drugs, concomitantly with health foods or drugs. However, journal articles describing health food and drug interactions generally did not provide sufficient information about the ingredients of the health foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kojima
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
| | - Yoko Sato
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
| | - Tsuyoshi Chiba
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
| | - Keizo Umegaki
- National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition.,Department of Food Safety and Management, Showa Women's University
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6
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Chrubasik-Hausmann S, Vlachojannis J, McLachlan AJ. Understanding drug interactions with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.): impact of hyperforin content. J Pharm Pharmacol 2018; 71:129-138. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to review herb–drug interaction studies with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) with a focus on the hyperforin content of the extracts used in these studies.
Methods
PUBMED was systematically searched to identify studies describing pharmacokinetic interactions involving St John's wort. Data on study design and the St John's wort extract or product were gathered to extract hyperforin content and daily dose used in interaction studies.
Key findings
This analysis demonstrates that significant herb–drug interactions (resulting in a substantial change in systemic exposure) with St John's wort products were associated with hyperforin daily dosage. Products that had a daily dose of <1 mg hyperforin were less likely to be associated with major interaction for drugs that were CYP3A4 or p-glycoprotein substrates. Although a risk of interactions cannot be excluded even for low-dose hyperforin St. John's wort extracts, the use of products that result in a dose of not more than 1 mg hyperforin per day is recommended to minimise the risk of interactions.
Conclusions
This review highlights that the significance of herb–drug interactions with St John's wort is influenced by the nature of the herbal medicines product, particularly the hyperforin content.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Vlachojannis
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Soleymani S, Bahramsoltani R, Rahimi R, Abdollahi M. Clinical risks of St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) co-administration. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2017; 13:1047-1062. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2017.1378342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Soleymani
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roodabeh Bahramsoltani
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- PhytoPharmacology Interest Group (PPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Roja Rahimi
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Traditional Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Evidence-Based Medicine Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Cohen M, Hunter J. Complementary medicine products: interpreting the evidence base. Intern Med J 2017; 47:992-998. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Cohen
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences; RMIT University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Jennifer Hunter
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine; Western Sydney University; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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9
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Berry-Bibee EN, Kim MJ, Tepper NK, Riley HEM, Curtis KM. Co-administration of St. John's wort and hormonal contraceptives: a systematic review. Contraception 2016; 94:668-677. [PMID: 27444983 PMCID: PMC11283811 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES St. John's wort (SJW) is a known strong inducer of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3 A4 enzyme, and both the ethinyl estradiol and progestin components of hormonal contraceptives are substrates of CYP3A4. This systematic review examined whether the co-administration of SJW and hormonal contraceptives leads to significant safety or efficacy concerns. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles of any comparative study design (clinical or pharmacokinetic) that examined potential interactions between SJW and hormonal contraceptives in women of reproductive age. RESULTS Of the 48 identified articles, four studies met inclusion criteria and compared use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) alone to the use of COCs co-administered with SJW. Two studies demonstrated no change in markers of ovulation, but one study demonstrated increased follicular growth and probable ovulation when COCs were co-administered with SJW. Three studies demonstrated an increased risk of breakthrough bleeding with COCs and SJW. Three studies showed changes in at least one pharmacokinetic parameter that suggested a significantly decreased exposure to hormone concentrations when COCs were co-administered with SJW. The only study that did not demonstrate any significant pharmacokinetic differences examined a SJW product containing a low amount of hypericin. CONCLUSION Limited evidence showing increased risk of ovulation and breakthrough bleeding raises concern for decreased contraceptive efficacy when COCs are co-administered with SJW. The pharmacokinetic evidence is mixed but suggests that SJW administration may be associated with weak to moderate induction of the metabolism of COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N Berry-Bibee
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Myong-Jin Kim
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Naomi K Tepper
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Halley E M Riley
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kathryn M Curtis
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Baek JH, Nierenberg AA, Kinrys G. Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting patients with bipolar disorder. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2014; 48:705-15. [PMID: 24947278 DOI: 10.1177/0004867414539198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with bipolar disorder frequently continue to experience residual anxiety and insomnia between mood episodes. In real-world practice, patients increasingly self-prescribe alternative medicines. METHODS We reviewed case reports, open-label, and placebo-controlled trials investigating the use of herbal medicines to treat anxiety and insomnia, and discussed their potential applications for bipolar disorder. RESULTS Eleven herbal medicines that have been studied in human subjects are included in this review. Mechanisms of action, efficacy, side effects, and drug-drug interactions are discussed. Based on currently available evidence, valerian seems to be the most promising candidate for insomnia and anxiety in bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS Adjunctive herbal medicines may have the potential to alleviate these symptoms and improve the outcomes of standard treatment, despite limited evidence. Physicians need to have a more in-depth understanding of the evidence of benefits, risks, and drug interactions of alternative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Baek
- Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andrew A Nierenberg
- Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Gustavo Kinrys
- Bipolar Clinic and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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11
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Haefeli WE, Carls A. Drug interactions with phytotherapeutics in oncology. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2014; 10:359-77. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2014.873786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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12
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Rahimi R, Abdollahi M. An update on the ability of St. John's wort to affect the metabolism of other drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012; 8:691-708. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2012.680886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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14
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Izzo AA. Interactions between herbs and conventional drugs: overview of the clinical data. Med Princ Pract 2012; 21:404-28. [PMID: 22236736 DOI: 10.1159/000334488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the clinical evidence of interactions between herbal and conventional medicines. Herbs involved in drug interactions--or that have been evaluated in pharmacokinetic trials--are discussed in this review. While many of the interactions reported are of limited clinical significance and many herbal products (e.g. black cohosh, saw palmetto, echinacea, hawthorn and valerian) seem to expose patients to minor risk under conventional pharmacotherapy, a few herbs, notably St. John's wort, may provoke adverse events sufficiently serious to endanger the patients' health. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for potential interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs, especially when drugs with a narrow therapeutic index are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo A Izzo
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
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15
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Fan L, Zhou G, Guo D, Liu YL, Chen WQ, Liu ZQ, Tan ZR, Sheng D, Zhou HH, Zhang W. The Pregnane X Receptor Agonist St Johnʼs Wort Has No Effects on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Repaglinide. Clin Pharmacokinet 2011; 50:605-11. [DOI: 10.2165/11587310-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Concomitant use of prescription medications and dietary supplements in menopausal women: an approach to provider preparedness. Maturitas 2010; 68:251-5. [PMID: 21168291 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular as therapies for symptom relief among menopause-age women in the United States. However, a large gap exists between research in the concomitant use of prescription medications and dietary supplements and provider preparedness to guide patient decision making. Many menopausal women take prescription medications, over the counter medications, and herbs and dietary supplements for climactic symptoms or other health conditions. With any drug, there is the potential for interactions. Women taking medications with a narrow therapeutic index, such as anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, and drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases, are at particular risk. Patients should be queried regarding their use of dietary supplements when starting or stopping a prescription drug, or if unexpected reactions occur. When counseling patients, one must carefully consider the risks and benefits of each supplement and medication being taken by each individual.
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Borrelli F, Izzo AA. Herb-drug interactions with St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum): an update on clinical observations. AAPS JOURNAL 2009; 11:710-27. [PMID: 19859815 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-009-9146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
St John's wort (SJW) extracts, prepared from the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum, contain numerous pharmacologically active ingredients, including naphthodianthrones (e.g., hypericin and its derivatives), phloroglucinols derivatives (e.g., hyperforin, which inhibits the reuptake of a number of neurotransmitters, including serotonin), and flavonoids. Such extracts are widely used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. As a monotherapy, SJW has an encouraging safety profile. However, relevant and, in some case, life-threatening interactions have been reported, particularly with drugs which are substrate of cytochrome P450 and/or P-glycoprotein. Well-documented SJW interactions include (1) reduced blood cyclosporin concentration, as suggested by multiple case reports as well as by clinical trials, (2) serotonin syndrome or lethargy when SJW was given with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, (3) unwanted pregnancies in women while using oral contraceptives and SJW, and (4) reduced plasma drug concentration of antiretroviral (e.g., indinavir, nevirapine) and anticancer (i.e., irinotecan, imatinib) drugs. Hyperforin, which is believed to contribute to the antidepressant action of St John's wort, is also strongly suspected to be responsible of most of the described interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Borrelli
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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19
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Ulrich-Merzenich G, Panek D, Zeitler H, Wagner H, Vetter H. New perspectives for synergy research with the "omic"-technologies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 16:495-508. [PMID: 19428231 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Synergistic effects, understood as true overadditive effects, are often observed in experimental and clinical studies using phytopharmaceuticals. The introduction of the "omic"-technologies is now opening new perspectives in rationalizing these effects and making use of them in the development of a new generation of phytopharmaceuticals. This review describes possible mechanism of synergistic actions of herbal drugs by mono- and multitargeting and by the activation of signal cascades. It examines the possibilities of the standardization of single and multi component plant extracts and the prediction and assessment of the toxicity and safety of plant extracts with the support of the "omic"-technologies. It further discusses the use of phytopharmaceuticals in the context of an "individualized medicine". It makes proposals how to use the "omic"-technologies to rationalize and develop combination therapies of phytopharmaceuticals and synthetic drugs to minimize adverse reactions (ARs) or improve the therapeutic efficacy. Examples of clinical studies are given which explore already the potential of such co-medications. Modern medical therapy has acknowledged for quite some time the usefulness of combination therapies in the treatment of multifactorial diseases like cancer, cardiovascular or rheumatic diseases. The term "synergy" is rarely used in this context, the combinatory mechanisms of actions seldom completely understood and the potentially occurring adverse reactions feared. A systematic exploitation of synergy effects of phytomedical interventions alone or in combination with synthetic drugs should lead in a long term perspective to the discovery and development of more rational evidence-based interventions in the prevention and therapy of multifactorial diseases and should thereby enrich modern pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ulrich-Merzenich
- Medical Policlinic of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn, Wilhelmstr. 35-37, D-53111 Bonn, Germany.
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21
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Whitten DL, Myers SP, Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H. The effect of St John's wort extracts on CYP3A: a systematic review of prospective clinical trials. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2006; 62:512-26. [PMID: 17010103 PMCID: PMC1885170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02755.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this systematic review was to assess the quality and outcomes of clinical trials investigating the effect of St John's wort extracts on the metabolism of drugs by CYP3A. METHODS Prospective clinical trials assessing the effect of St John's wort (SJW) extracts on metabolism by CYP3A were identified through computer-based searches (from their inception to May 2005) of Medline, Cinahl, PsycINFO, AMED, Current Contents and Embase, hand-searches of bibliographies of relevant papers and consultation with manufacturers and researchers in the field. Two reviewers selected trials for inclusion, independently extracted data and recorded details on study design. RESULTS Thirty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. More than two-thirds of the studies employed a before-and-after design, less than one-third of the studies used a crossover design, and only three studies were double-blind and placebo controlled. In 12 studies the SJW extract had been assayed, and 14 studies stated the specific SJW extract used. Results from 26 studies, including all of the 19 studies that used high-dose hyperforin extracts (>10 mg day(-1)), had outcomes consistent with CYP3A induction. The three studies using low-dose hyperforin extracts (<4 mg day(-1)) demonstrated no significant effect on CYP3A. CONCLUSION There is reasonable evidence to suggest that high-dose hyperforin SJW extracts induce CYP3A. More studies are required to determine whether decreased CYP3A induction occurs after low-dose hyperforin extracts. Future studies should adopt study designs with a control phase or control group, identify the specific SJW extract employed and provide quantitative analyses of key constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Whitten
- School of Natural and Complementary Medicine, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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