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Salm S, Rutz J, van den Akker M, Blaheta RA, Bachmeier BE. Current state of research on the clinical benefits of herbal medicines for non-life-threatening ailments. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1234701. [PMID: 37841934 PMCID: PMC10569491 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1234701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines are becoming increasingly popular among patients because they are well tolerated and do not exert severe side effects. Nevertheless, they receive little consideration in therapeutic settings. The present article reviews the current state of research on the clinical benefits of herbal medicines on five indication groups, psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary and upper respiratory tract infections. The study search was based on the database PubMed and concentrated on herbal medicines legally approved in Europe. After applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 141 articles were selected: 59 for psychosomatic disorders (100% randomized controlled trials; RCTs), 20 for gynecological complaints (56% RCTs), 19 for gastrointestinal disorders (68% RCTs), 16 for urinary tract infections (UTI, 63% RCTs) and 24 for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (79% RCTs). For the majority of the studies, therapeutic benefits were evaluated by patient reported outcome measures (PROs). For psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints and URTI more than 80% of the study outcomes were positive, whereas the clinical benefit of herbal medicines for the treatment of UTI and gastrointestinal disorders was lower with 55%. The critical appraisal of the articles shows that there is a lack of high-quality studies and, with regard to gastrointestinal disorders, the clinical benefits of herbal medicines as a stand-alone form of therapy are unclear. According to the current state of knowledge, scientific evidence has still to be improved to allow integration of herbal medicines into guidelines and standard treatment regimens for the indications reviewed here. In addition to clinical data, real world data and outcome measures can add significant value to pave the way for herbal medicines into future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Salm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jochen Rutz
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre of General Practice, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman A. Blaheta
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Sánchez IA, Cuchimba JA, Pineda MC, Argüello YP, Kočí J, Kreider RB, Petro JL, Bonilla DA. Adaptogens on Depression-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Integrative Review and Rationale of Synergism with Physical Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5298. [PMID: 37047914 PMCID: PMC10094590 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A. Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - Jaime A. Cuchimba
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - María C. Pineda
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias Aplicadas al Ejercicio, Deporte y Salud—GICAEDS, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia; (I.A.S.)
| | - Yenny P. Argüello
- Grupo de Investigación Cuerpo, Sujeto y Educación—CSE, Universidad Santo Tomás, Bogotá 205070, Colombia
| | - Jana Kočí
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education, Charles University, 11636 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Richard B. Kreider
- Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Human Clinical Research Facility, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jorge L. Petro
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
| | - Diego A. Bonilla
- Research Division, Dynamical Business & Science Society—DBSS International SAS, Bogotá 110311, Colombia; (J.K.); (J.L.P.)
- Research Group in Physical Activity, Sports and Health Sciences (GICAFS), Universidad de Córdoba, Montería 230002, Colombia
- Research Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110311, Colombia
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Korczak M, Pilecki M, Granica S, Gorczynska A, Pawłowska KA, Piwowarski JP. Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 111:154642. [PMID: 36641978 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical research in natural product-based psychopharmacology has revealed a variety of promising herbal medicines that may provide benefit in the treatment of mild mood disorders, however failed to unambiguously indicate pharmacologically active constituents. The emerging role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis opens new possibilities in the search for effective methods of treatment and prevention of mood disorders. PURPOSE Considering the clinically proven effectiveness juxtaposed with inconsistencies regarding the indication of active principles for many medicinal plants applied in the treatment of anxiety and depression, the aim of the review is to look at their therapeutic properties from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. METHOD A literature-based survey was performed using Scopus, Pubmed, and Google Scholar databases. The current state of knowledge regarding Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Piper methysticum, Passiflora incarnata, Humulus lupulus, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula officinalis, and Rhodiola rosea in terms of their antimicrobial activity, bioavailability, clinical effectiveness in depression/anxiety and gut microbiota - natural products interaction was summarized and analyzed. RESULTS Recent studies have provided direct and indirect evidence that herbal extracts and isolated compounds are potent modulators of gut microbiota structure. Additionally, some of the formed postbiotic metabolites exert positive effects and ameliorate depression-related behaviors in animal models of mood disorders. The review underlines the gap in research on natural products - gut microbiota interaction in the context of mood disorders. CONCLUSION Modification of microbiota-gut-brain axis by natural products is a plausible explanation of their therapeutic properties. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of herbal medicine and isolated compounds in treating mild mood disorders should consider the bidirectional interplay between phytoconstituents and the gut microbiota community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Korczak
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Pilecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Sebastian Granica
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gorczynska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina A Pawłowska
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub P Piwowarski
- Microbiota Lab, Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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Peng S, Zhou Y, Lu M, Wang Q. Review of Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Depression. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221139082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression, a mental illness that is receiving increasing attention, is caused by multiple factors and genes and adversely affects social life and health. Several hypotheses have been proposed to clarify the pathogenesis of depression, and various synthetic antidepressants have been introduced to treat patients with depression. However, these drugs are effective only in a proportion of patients and fail to achieve complete remission. Recently, herbal medicines have received much attention as alternative treatments for depression because of their fewer side effects and lower costs. In this review, we have mainly focused on the herbal medicines that have been proven in clinical studies (especially randomized controlled trials and preclinical studies) to have antidepressant effects; we also describe the potential mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of those herbal medicines; the cellular and animal model of depression; and the development of novel drug delivery systems for herbal antidepressants. Finally, we objectively elaborate on the challenges of using herbal medicines as antidepressants and describe the benefits, adverse effects, and toxicity of these medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Peng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalan Zhou
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Lu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingzhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Canenguez Benitez JS, Hernandez TE, Sundararajan R, Sarwar S, Arriaga AJ, Khan AT, Matayoshi A, Quintanilla HA, Kochhar H, Alam M, Mago A, Hans A, Benitez GA. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using St. John's Wort as a Treatment for Depression. Cureus 2022; 14:e29468. [PMID: 36299970 PMCID: PMC9587902 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: St. John's wort (SJW) extracts are currently being used to treat depression of various degrees of severity. While many studies have shown it to be superior to placebo, data regarding the effectiveness of using SJW as a stand-alone treatment compared with standard antidepressants has yet to be proven conclusively. This study aims to understand the advantages and disadvantages of SJW as a treatment modality for depression. Methods: The authors searched PubMed, JAMA network, Springer Link, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Scientific Progress databases, from 2011 through August 2021, using the following keywords: St John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum, depression, antidepressant, complementary alternative medicine, economic evaluation depression St. wort, St John’s wort and depression, antidepressant interactions. This yielded a total of 27 papers following a thorough removal of irrelevant content and dissemination in languages other than English. Results: In patients with mild and moderate depression, SJW proved superior to placebo. Certain studies comparing the efficacy of SJW versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially fluoxetine, reported SJW to be more efficacious, while the majority reported no significant difference. Tricyclic antidepressants were also found to have similar efficacy as SJW. Moreover, treatment with SJW was also found to reduce postmenopausal depression. Regarding the safety profile, although SJW is better tolerated with fewer adverse effects when compared to standardized antidepressants, its predisposition to causing fatal serotonin syndrome, when used in conjunction with other serotonergic agents and drug interactions noted with CYP 450 drugs, raises a question in the safety profile. Conclusion: It is essential to acknowledge that SJW has been used as a treatment measure in Germany. Despite being only listed as a dietary supplement by the FDA and not a drug, SJW has shown to be comparable, if not more efficacious, than most standard treatment options for depression. SJW does prove to be an exciting piece of pharmacotherapy in the realm of mental health and post-menopausal treatment. More prospective studies will help us better understand its efficacy in mild and moderate depression and its ability to serve as a long-term agent. Considering its mechanism of action, its role in relieving patients suffering from an anxiety disorder is also worth considering.
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Nobakht SZ, Akaberi M, Mohammadpour AH, Tafazoli Moghadam A, Emami SA. Hypericum perforatum: Traditional uses, clinical trials, and drug interactions. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:1045-1058. [PMID: 36246064 PMCID: PMC9526892 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.65112.14338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum (Hypericaceae), known as Saint John’s wort (SJW), has been used in different systems of traditional medicine such as Chinese traditional medicine, Greek traditional medicine, and Islamic traditional medicine. The plant and its active constituents such as hyperforin and hypericin have a wide range of medicinal uses, particularly as anti-depressant, wound-healing, and antibacterial agents. In recent decades, many clinical trials have been performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of this medicinal plant. However, to the best on our knowledge, there is no comprehensive review article in this regard. In the current study, we aim to have a comprehensive review of the clinical trials of SJW to evaluate its efficacy and safety as well as its application in traditional medicine. Clinical studies investigating the safety, interactions, and efficacy of SJW were identified and summarized, including contributions from 2000 until December 2021. According to the results, these clinical studies were divided into three main categories based on the type of disease: psychiatric, endocrine, and skin problems. Important details of the studies, including the type and duration of the study, the type and percentage of the effective compounds or the extract used, the number of patients, and the obtained results were also discussed. In addition, co-administration and drug interaction of SJW with other drugs were summarized. SJW is a valuable medicinal plant, especially for psychiatric disorders. However, precautions should be taken while administrating the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Nobakht
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Akaberi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Hooshang Mohammadpour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Tafazoli Moghadam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ahmad Emami
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,Corresponding author: Seyed Ahmad Emami. Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Tel: +98-51-3180 1267; Fax: +98-05118823251;
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Budantsev AL, Prikhodko VA, Varganova IV, Okovityi SV. BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. (HYPERICACEAE): A REVIEW. PHARMACY & PHARMACOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.19163/2307-9266-2021-9-1-17-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Budantsev
- Komarov Botanical Institute of Russian Academy of Science
2, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - V. A. Prikhodko
- Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University
14, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - I. V. Varganova
- Komarov Botanical Institute of Russian Academy of Science
2, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
| | - S. V. Okovityi
- Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University
14, Prof. Popov St., St. Petersburg, Russia, 197376
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Mischoulon D. Popular Herbal and Natural Remedies Used in Psychiatry. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2018; 16:2-11. [PMID: 31975894 PMCID: PMC6519573 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20170041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Natural and herbal remedies, also known as "alternative" or "complementary" medicines, have grown tremendously in popularity over the past two decades, becoming a major component of health care and general wellness in the United States and worldwide. The ready availability of these remedies over the counter and their generally good tolerability and safety contribute to this popularity, and many people have benefited from them, often in cases when conventional treatments have failed or caused intolerable side effects. Despite many Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved psychotropic medications on the market, efficacy has been inconsistent for some, and many treatment responders will eventually relapse. Continued research on the efficacy and safety of these alternative therapies is, therefore, important. This article reviews six of the most commonly used natural remedies for psychiatric conditions, including the antidepressants St. John's wort, omega-3 fatty acids, and S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe); the sedative-hypnotics valerian and melatonin; and the nootropic ginkgo biloba. We outline the general indications for use, suggested doses, possible mechanisms, and adverse effects to give clinicians a good summary of the benefits and liabilities of each. Although there is growing evidence of efficacy and safety to support the use of these remedies, clinicians must be aware of the limitations of the evidence base and take that into account with all the other factors that contribute to clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mischoulon
- Dr. Mischoulon is the director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital; and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Abstract
Depression remains difficult to manage, despite the many registered treatments available. For many depressed individuals, particularly those who have not responded to and/or had adverse effects from standard therapies, herbal and natural medications represent a potentially valuable alternative. This chapter will review several natural remedies used in the treatment of depression. Specific remedies covered include St. John's wort (SJW), S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), omega-3 fatty acids, rhodiola, and others. We will begin by providing some historical and social context about these remedies. Then we will review efficacy and safety data, as well as biological mechanisms of action of these therapies. Finally, we will discuss the limitations of the current state of knowledge and provide suggestions for a productive research agenda focused on natural remedies. While many questions about these treatments remain unanswered and much work needs to be done before we determine their place in the psychiatric armamentarium, we believe that this chapter will give psychiatrists a good perspective on the pros and cons of herbal and natural antidepressants as part of the pharmacological armamentarium and sensible guidelines on how and when they should be used.
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