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Bouron A. Cellular neurobiology of hyperforin. Phytother Res 2024; 38:636-645. [PMID: 37963759 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Hyperforin is a phloroglucinol derivative isolated from the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort, SJW). This lipophilic biomolecule displays antibacterial, pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo data showed that hyperforin is a promising molecule with potential applications in neurology and psychiatry. For instance, hyperforin possesses antidepressant properties, impairs the uptake of neurotransmitters, and stimulates the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB neurotrophic signaling pathway, the adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and the brain homeostasis of zinc. In fact, hyperforin is a multi-target biomolecule with a complex neuropharmacological profile. However, one prominent pharmacological feature of hyperforin is its ability to influence the homeostasis of cations such as Ca2+ , Na+ , Zn2+ , and H+ . So far, the pathophysiological relevance of these actions is currently unknown. The main objective of the present work is to provide an overview of the cellular neurobiology of hyperforin, with a special focus on its effects on neuronal membranes and the movement of cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bouron
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Inserm UA13 BGE, Grenoble, France
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Li XX, Yan Y, Zhang J, Ding K, Xia CY, Pan XG, Shi YJ, Xu JK, He J, Zhang WK. Hyperforin: A natural lead compound with multiple pharmacological activities. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2023; 206:113526. [PMID: 36442576 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum L. (Clusiaceae), commonly known as St. John's wort, has a rich historical background as one of the oldest and most widely studied herbal medicines. Hyperforin is the main antidepressant active ingredient of St. John's wort. In recent years, hyperforin has attached increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities. In this review, the information on hyperforin was systematically summarized. Hyperforin is considered to be a lead compound with diverse pharmacological activities including anti-depression, anti-tumor, anti-dementia, anti-diabetes and others. It can be obtained by extraction and synthesis. Further pharmacological studies and more precise detection methods will help develop a value for hyperforin. In addition, structural modification and pharmaceutical preparation technology will be beneficial to promoting the research progress of hyperforin based innovative drugs. Although these works are full of known and unknown challenges, researchers are still expected to make hyperforin play a greater value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Li
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences & Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China; School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yu Yan
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences & Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Kang Ding
- School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Cong-Yuan Xia
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences & Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Xue-Ge Pan
- School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Yan-Jing Shi
- School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China
| | - Jie-Kun Xu
- School of Life Sciences & School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Jun He
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences & Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
| | - Wei-Ku Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences & Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, PR China.
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Hamurtekin E, Hamurtekin Y, Matucci R, Dei S, Baris E, Kazdagli H. Cholinergic Receptor Binding Profile of Hypericum perforatum L. and its Active Constituents. INT J PHARMACOL 2022. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2022.1429.1439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Kholghi G, Arjmandi-Rad S, Zarrindast MR, Vaseghi S. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems? NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:629-642. [PMID: 35294606 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbaceous plant containing many bioactive molecules including naphthodianthrones, phloroglucinol derivatives, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and chlorogenic acid. Evidence has shown the therapeutic effects of St. John's wort and especially its two major active components, hyperforin and hypericin, on different psychiatric and mood disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. St. John's wort also induces antidepressant effects. In this review study, we aimed to discuss the role of St. John's wort in modulating depression, with respect to the role of different neurotransmitter systems in the brain. We discussed changes in the neurotransmitter levels in depression, and following use of St. John's wort. It was concluded that changes in the function and level of neurotransmitters in depression are complex. Also, St. John's wort can induce inconsistent effects on neurotransmitter levels. We also found that glutamate and acetylcholine may be the most important neurotransmitters to study in future works, because the function of both neurotransmitters in depression is unclear. In addition, St. John's wort induces a dualistic modulation on the activity of cholinergic signaling, which can be an interesting topic for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Shirin Arjmandi-Rad
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran.
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Clinical use of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in depression: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2017; 210:211-221. [PMID: 28064110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION St John's wort is a popular herbal remedy recommended by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners and licensed and widely prescribed for depression in many European countries. However, conflicting data regarding its benefits and risks exist, and the last large meta-analysis on St John's wort use for depression was done in 2008, with no updated meta-analysis available. METHODS Using the keywords [St John's Wort OR Hypericum perforatum OR hypericin OR hyperforin OR johanniskraut OR] AND [depression OR antidepressant OR SSRI], a preliminary search (without language restriction) on the PubMed, Ovid, Clinical Trials Register of the Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group, Cochrane Field for Complementary Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang database yielded 5428 papers between 1-Jan-1960 and 1-May-2016. RESULTS 27 clinical trials with a total of 3808 patients were reviewed, comparing the use of St John's wort and SSRI. In patients with depression, St John's wort demonstrated comparable response (pooled RR 0.983, 95% CI 0.924-1.042, p<0.001) and remission (pooled RR 1.013, 95% CI 0.892-1.134, p<0.001) rate, and significantly lower discontinuation/dropout (pooled OR 0.587, 95% CI 0.478-0.697, p<0.001) rate compared to standard SSRIs. The pooled SMD from baseline HAM-D scores (pooled SMD -0.068, 95% CI -0.127 to 0.021, p<0.001) also support its significant clinical efficacy in ameliorating depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS Evidence on the long-term efficacy and safety of St. John's wort is limited as the duration of all available studies ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. It is also unclear if St John's wort would be beneficial for patients with severe depression, high suicidality or suicide risk. CONCLUSION For patients with mild-to-moderate depression, St John's wort has comparable efficacy and safety when compared to SSRIs. Follow-up studies carried out over a longer duration should be planned to ascertain its benefits.
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Friedland K, Harteneck C. Hyperforin: To Be or Not to Be an Activator of TRPC(6). Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 169:1-24. [DOI: 10.1007/112_2015_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Protonophore properties of hyperforin are essential for its pharmacological activity. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7500. [PMID: 25511254 PMCID: PMC4266863 DOI: 10.1038/srep07500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperforin is a pharmacologically active component of the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), recommended as a treatment for a range of ailments including mild to moderate depression. Part of its action has been attributed to TRPC6 channel activation. We found that hyperforin induces TRPC6-independent H+ currents in HEK-293 cells, cortical microglia, chromaffin cells and lipid bilayers. The latter demonstrates that hyperforin itself acts as a protonophore. The protonophore activity of hyperforin causes cytosolic acidification, which strongly depends on the holding potential, and which fuels the plasma membrane sodium-proton exchanger. Thereby the free intracellular sodium concentration increases and the neurotransmitter uptake by Na+ cotransport is inhibited. Additionally, hyperforin depletes and reduces loading of large dense core vesicles in chromaffin cells, which requires a pH gradient in order to accumulate monoamines. In summary the pharmacological actions of the “herbal Prozac” hyperforin are essentially determined by its protonophore properties shown here.
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Noori HR, Fliegel S, Brand I, Spanagel R. The impact of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on the extracellular acetylcholine concentrations in the adult rat brain: A meta-analysis. Synapse 2012; 66:893-901. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.21581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Valeri A, Capasso R, Valoti M, Pessina F. Effects of St John's wort and its active constituents, hypericin and hyperforin, on isolated rat urinary bladder. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 64:1770-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01556.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the effect of St John's wort (SJW) and its active constituents hypericin and hyperforin on detrusor smooth muscle contractility and their possible neuroprotective role against ischaemic-like conditions, which could arise during overactive bladder disease.
Methods
In whole bladders, intrinsic nerves underwent electrical field stimulation (EFS). The effect of drugs on the contractile response and its recovery in reperfusion phase (R) was monitored at different concentrations during 1 or 2 h of anoxia-glucopenia (A-G) and the first 30 min of R. The effects of the drugs were also investigated on rat detrusor muscle strips contracted with carbachol, KCl and electrically.
Key findings
SJW has spasmolytic activity, which increases with increasing concentration and it worsens the damage induced by A-G/R on rat urinary bladder. Hypericin and hyperforin had no effect during ischemic-like conditions but they both exert a dual modulation of rat detrusor strips contraction. At high micromolar concentrations they showed a relaxing effect, but at submicromolar range hypericin increased the plasma membrane depolarisation and hyperforin showed a stimulatory effect on the cholinergic system.
Conclusions
The results of our study showed that SJW and its constituents could modulate urinary bladder contractility and even worsen A-G/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaele Capasso
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Hillert M, Zimmermann M, Klein J. Uptake of lithium into rat brain after acute and chronic administration. Neurosci Lett 2012; 521:62-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Darvesh AS, Carroll RT, Geldenhuys WJ, Gudelsky GA, Klein J, Meshul CK, Van der Schyf CJ. In vivo brain microdialysis: advances in neuropsychopharmacology and drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2011; 6:109-127. [PMID: 21532928 PMCID: PMC3083031 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2011.547189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Microdialysis is an important in vivo sampling technique, useful in the assay of extracellular tissue fluid. The technique has both pre-clinical and clinical applications but is most widely used in neuroscience. The in vivo microdialysis technique allows measurement of neurotransmitters such as acetycholine (ACh), the biogenic amines including dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT), amino acids such as glutamate (Glu) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as the metabolites of the aforementioned neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides in neuronal extracellular fluid in discrete brain regions of laboratory animals such as rodents and non-human primates. AREAS COVERED: In this review we present a brief overview of the principles and procedures related to in vivo microdialysis and detail the use of this technique in the pre-clinical measurement of drugs designed to be used in the treatment of chemical addiction, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and as well as psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. This review offers insight into the tremendous utility and versatility of this technique in pursuing neuropharmacological investigations as well its significant potential in rational drug discovery. EXPERT OPINION: In vivo microdialysis is an extremely versatile technique, routinely used in the neuropharmacological investigation of drugs used for the treatment of neurological disorders. This technique has been a boon in the elucidation of the neurochemical profile and mechanism of action of several classes of drugs especially their effects on neurotransmitter systems. The exploitation and development of this technique for drug discovery in the near future will enable investigational new drug candidates to be rapidly moved into the clinical trial stages and to market thus providing new successful therapies for neurological diseases that are currently in demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf S. Darvesh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences-Neurotherapeutics Focus Group, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- Psychiatry, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Richard T. Carroll
- Pharmaceutical Sciences-Neurotherapeutics Focus Group, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Werner J. Geldenhuys
- Pharmaceutical Sciences-Neurotherapeutics Focus Group, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
| | - Gary A. Gudelsky
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jochen Klein
- Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, D-60438, Germany
| | - Charles K. Meshul
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Pathology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Portland Veterans Affairs Research Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Cornelis J. Van der Schyf
- Pharmaceutical Sciences-Neurotherapeutics Focus Group, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
- Neurobiology, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
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BEHERE RISHIKESHV, MURALIDHARAN KESAVAN, BENEGAL VIVEK. Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of substance use disorders-a review of the evidence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 28:292-300. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
Although very few drugs are currently approved by regulatory authorities for treating multi-factorial ailments and disorders of cognition such as Alzheimer's disease, certain plant-derived agents, including, for example, galantamine and rivastigmine (a semi-synthetic derivative of physostigmine) are finding an application in modern medicine. However, in Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine which is more than 5000 years old, selected plants have long been classified as 'medhya rasayanas', from the Sanskrit words 'medhya', meaning intellect or cognition, and 'rasayana', meaning 'rejuvenation'. These plants are used both in herbal and conventional medicine and offer benefits that pharmaceutical drugs lack. In the present article, an attempt has been made to review the most important medicinal plants, including Ginkgo biloba, St John's wort, Kava-kava, Valerian, Bacopa monniera and Convolvulus pluricaulis, which are widely used for their reputed effectiveness in CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University, Health Sciences Center, School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Inhibitory effect of the herbal antidepressant St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) on rat gastric motility. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2008; 376:407-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-007-0230-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Butterweck V, Schmidt M. St. John's wort: role of active compounds for its mechanism of action and efficacy. Wien Med Wochenschr 2007; 157:356-61. [PMID: 17704987 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-007-0440-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., SJW) contains numerous compounds with documented biological activity. Constituents that have stimulated the most interest include the naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, a broad range of flavonoids, and the phloroglucinols hyperforin and adhyperforin. According to the actual state of scientific knowledge the total extract has to be considered as the active substance. Although there are some open questions, the bulk of data suggests that several groups of active compounds are contributing to the antidepressant efficacy of the plant extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Butterweck
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Diana G, Capasso A, Quaranta E, De Feo V. Differential effects of three species ofHypericum in an open field test. Phytother Res 2007; 21:215-9. [PMID: 17160972 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The effects of three species of Hypericum (H.) on mice motor activity were compared in an automated open field test. Methanol extracts of H. perforatum L., H. hircinum L. and H. perfoliatum L. were tested at doses ranging from 2.5 to 200 mg i.p. H. hircinum decreased locomotion at most dose levels. Moreover, a dose of 200 mg/kg of all three herbal species sharply decreased motor activity. Ten mg/kg of H. perforatum, a dose that is comparable to that endowed with antidepressant effects in humans, tended to increase exploration and stereotypic activity and to decrease immobility. The study suggests that there are differences in the neuropharmacological actions of the three plant extracts. However, common constituents might explain the reduced motor activity observed at high dose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Diana
- Department of Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma, Italy
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17
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Singh GD, Kaiser P, Youssouf MS, Singh S, Khajuria A, Koul A, Bani S, Kapahi BK, Satti NK, Suri KA, Johri RK. Inhibition of early and late phase allergic reactions by Euphorbia hirta L. Phytother Res 2006; 20:316-21. [PMID: 16557622 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A 95% ethanol extract from whole aerial parts of Euphorbia hirta (EH A001) showed antihistaminic, antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive properties in various animal models. EH A001 inhibited rat peritoneal mast cell degranulation triggered by compound 48/80. It significantly inhibited dextran-induced rat paw edema. EH A001 prevented eosinophil accumulation and eosinophil peroxidase activity and reduced the protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in a 'mild' model of asthma. Moreover, the CD4/CD8 ratio in peripheral blood was suppressed. EH A001 attenuated the release of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and augmented interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in ovalbumin-sensitized mouse splenocytes. The results were compared with the effects of known compounds, ketotifen, cetirizine and cyclophosphamide. These findings demonstrated that Euphorbia hirta possessed significant activity to prevent early and late phase allergic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Singh
- Division of Pharmacology and Natural Products Chemistry, Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu-Tawi 180 001, India
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18
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Viana A, do Rego JC, von Poser G, Ferraz A, Heckler AP, Costentin J, Kuze Rates SM. The antidepressant-like effect of Hypericum caprifoliatum Cham & Schlecht (Guttiferae) on forced swimming test results from an inhibition of neuronal monoamine uptake. Neuropharmacology 2005; 49:1042-52. [PMID: 16040063 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2005.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2005] [Revised: 05/27/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A crude (ECH) and a purified cyclohexane extract (HCP) of Hypericum caprifoliatum and their main phloroglucinol derivative (HC1) were evaluated regarding their action on monoaminergic systems, more precisely on dopamine. In rats and mice forced swimming test, ECH and HCP dose-dependently reduced the immobility time. The effect of the highest dose was prevented by a prior administration of either sulpiride or SCH 23390 (D(2) and D(1) dopamine receptor antagonist, respectively). HCP (360 mg/kg) decreased the locomotor activity of mice. ECH (90 mg/kg) caused hypothermia and potentiated apomorphine-induced (16 mg/kg) hypothermia in mice. HCP and HC1 inhibited, in a concentration-dependent and monophasic manner, the [(3)H]-DA, [(3)H]-NA and [(3)H]-5HT synaptosomal uptakes, but did not prevent the binding of specific ligands to the monoamine transporters. Moreover, when tested at the concentrations corresponding to its IC(50) on [(3)H]-DA uptake, HC1 did not induce a significant [(3)H]-DA release, while at a higher concentration (200 ng/ml) it enhanced significantly (by 12%) the synaptosomal DA release. These data suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of H. caprifoliatum on the forced swimming test is due to an increase in monoaminergic transmission, resulting from monoamine uptake inhibition, more potently of dopamine, which may be related to their phloroglucinol contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 2752 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Holstege CP, Mitchell K, Barlotta K, Furbee RB. Toxicity and drug interactions associated with herbal products: ephedra and St. John's Wort. Med Clin North Am 2005; 89:1225-57. [PMID: 16227061 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2005.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Health care providers are being increasingly confronted with the use of herbal medications by their patients. It is imperative that patients be questioned regarding herbal preparation use and that health care providers become familiar with these agents. Research into the active components and mechanisms of action of various herbals is ongoing [350]. Long-range studies need to be performed to follow patients for efficacy or toxicity in chronic use [351,352]. Adverse reactions to herbal remedies should be reported to the FDA MedWatch at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. As withany therapeutic agent, risk of use must always be weighed against potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Holstege
- Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0774, USA.
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Treiber K, Singer A, Henke B, Müller WE. Hyperforin activates nonselective cation channels (NSCCs). Br J Pharmacol 2005; 145:75-83. [PMID: 15723093 PMCID: PMC1576119 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of evidence supports the preclinical antidepressant profile of hyperforin including inhibition of the synaptosomal uptake of several neurotransmitters by hyperforin and studies in behavioural models. In contrast to other antidepressants, hyperforin does not directly inhibit neurotransmitter transporters, but instead uptake inhibition seems to be the consequence of an elevated intracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]i). The mechanism of hyperforin-induced elevation of [Na+]i was investigated using two different cell types: human platelets and rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells). In both cell systems, hyperforin increased both [Na+]i and free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). One pathway for Na+ and Ca2+ entry is mediated by nonselective cation channels (NSCCs), which can be blocked by SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. LOE 908 is a blocker of both NSCC1 and NSCC2 subclasses, while SK&F 96365 blocks NSCC2 only. Both SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 completely inhibited the hyperforin-induced influx of Na+ and Ca2+ into platelets and PC12 cells. This indicates that hyperforin is mainly active upon NSCC2. The effect of hyperforin is inhibited by La3+ and Gd3+, indicating that there is a potential homology with canonical transient receptor potential protein channels (TRPC channels). Moreover, La3+ and Gd3+ attenuate the effect of hyperforin on serotonin uptake in human platelets. Additionally, hyperforin induces barium influx in PC12 cells and this influx can be inhibited by SK&F 96365, LOE 908, Gd3+ and La3+. In summary, these findings suggest that hyperforin represents a new principle for preclinical antidepressant activity, modulating brain neurotransmission by inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake via activation of NSCCs.British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 75-83. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Treiber
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, N260, University of Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrea Singer
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, N260, University of Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bettina Henke
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, N260, University of Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Walter E Müller
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter, N260, University of Frankfurt, Marie-Curie-Str. 9, 60439 Frankfurt, Germany
- Author for correspondence:
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Abstract
The phloroglucinol derivative hyperforin has been recently shown to be a major antidepressant component in the extract of Hypericum perforatum. Experimental studies clearly demonstrated its activity in different behavioral models of depression. Moreover clinical studies linked the therapeutic efficacy of Hypericum extracts to their hyperforin content, in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular mechanism of action of hyperforin is still under investigation. Hyperforin has been shown to inhibit, like conventional antidepressants, the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. However, hyperforin inhibits also the uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-glutamate. The uptake inhibition by hyperforin does not involve specific binding sites at the transporter molecules; its mechanism of action seems to be related to sodium conductive pathways, leading to an elevation in intracellular Na(+) concentration. Other additional mechanisms of action of hyperforin, involving ionic conductances as well synaptosomal and vesicular function, have been suggested. In addition to its antidepressant activity, hyperforin has many other pharmacological effects in vivo (anxiolytic-like, cognition-enhancing effects) and in vitro (antioxidant, anticyclooxygenase-1, and anticarcinogenic effects). These effects could be of clinical importance. On the other hand, the role of hyperforin in the pharmacological interactions occurring during Hypericum extract therapy must be fully investigated. Hyperforin seems to be responsible for the induction of liver cytochrome oxidase enzymes and intestinal P-glycoprotein. Several pharmacokinetic studies performed in rats and humans demonstrated oral bioavailability of hyperforin from Hypericum extract. Only recently a new chromatographic method for detection of hyperforin in the brain tissue has been developed and validated. Taking into account the chemical instability of hyperforin, current efforts are directed to the synthesis of new neuroactive derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Zanoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Moderna Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy.
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Winkler C, Wirleitner B, Schroecksnadel K, Schennach H, Fuchs D. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) counteracts cytokine-induced tryptophan catabolism in vitro. Biol Chem 2004; 385:1197-202. [PMID: 15653434 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2004.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSt. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)is an ancient folk remedy that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Anti-inflammatory effects of the plant have been described and the application ofH. perforatumextract as an effective antidepressant is well established. In this study we assayed the effect ofH. perforatumextract on cytokine-induced tryptophan degradation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Simultaneously, changes in the production of the immune activation marker neopterin were monitored. Both these biochemical pathways are triggered by interferon-γ. Our results show that extracts ofH. perforatumstrongly down-regulate mitogen-mediated tryptophan degradation in a dose-dependent manner. This effect seems to be based on a suppressive activity ofH. perforatumon activated immunocompetent cells, resulting in a diminished production of interferon-γ. In line with this finding, neopterin synthesis was strongly down-regulated by the plant extract. Our results suggest that the reduction of tryptophan degradation byH. perforatummight be important in the action of the plant as an antidepressant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Winkler
- Institute of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Innsbruck Medical University, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Kiewert C, Buchholzer ML, Hartmann J, Chatterjee SS, Klein J. Stimulation of hippocampal acetylcholine release by hyperforin, a constituent of St. John’s Wort. Neurosci Lett 2004; 364:195-8. [PMID: 15196674 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2004] [Revised: 04/09/2004] [Accepted: 04/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracts of the medicinal plant St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) are widely used in the therapy of affective disorders and have been reported to exert antidepressant, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects in experimental and clinical studies. We here report that hyperforin, the major active constituent of the extract, increases the release of acetylcholine from rat hippocampus in vivo as determined by microdialysis. Hippocampal acetylcholine levels were increased by 50-100% following the systemic administration of pure hyperforin at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg. The effect was almost completely suppressed by local perfusion with calcium-free buffer or with tetrodotoxin (1 microM). We conclude that hyperforin releases hippocampal acetylcholine by an indirect mechanism of action which is calcium-dependent and requires intact neuronal communication and cell firing. Our findings suggest therapeutic efficacy of St. John's Wort extracts in central cholinergic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Kiewert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech School of Pharmacy, 1300 Coulter Drive, Amarillo 79106, USA
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Mennini T, Gobbi M. The antidepressant mechanism of Hypericum perforatum. Life Sci 2004; 75:1021-7. [PMID: 15207650 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2003] [Accepted: 04/01/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Clinical data indicate that hydroalcoholic extracts of Hypericum perforatum might be as valuable as conventional antidepressants in mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer side effects. One clinical trial using two extracts with different hyperforin contents indicated it as the main active principle responsible for the antidepressant activity. Behavioural models in rodents confirm the antidepressant-like effect of Hypericum extracts and also of pure hyperforin and hypericin. A hydroalcoholic extract lacking hyperforin also lacks the antidepressant-like effect. According to pharmacokinetic data and binding studies, it appears that the antidepressant effect of Hypericum extract is unlikely be due to an interaction of hypericin with central neurotransmitter receptors. The main in vitro effects of hyperforin (at concentrations of 0.1-1 microM) are non-specific presynaptic effects, resulting in the non-selective inhibition of the uptake of many neurotransmitters, and the interaction with dopamine D1 and opioid receptors. However, it is still not clear whether these mechanisms can be activated in vivo, since after administration of Hypericum extract brain concentrations of hyperforin are well below those active in vitro. In the rat, Hypericum extract might indirectly activate sigma receptors in vivo (through the formation of an unknown metabolite or production of an endogenous ligand), suggesting a new target for its antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Mennini
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea 62, 20157, Milano, Italy.
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Abstract
Extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) are now successfully competing for status as a standard antidepressant therapy. Because of this, great effort has been devoted to identifying the active antidepressant compounds in the extract. From a phytochemical point of view, St John's wort is one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. A series of bioactive compounds has been detected in the crude material, namely flavonol derivatives, biflavones, proanthocyanidines, xanthones, phloroglucinols and naphthodianthrones. Although St John's wort has been subjected to extensive scientific studies in the last decade, there are still many open questions about its pharmacology and mechanism of action. Initial biochemical studies reported that St John's wort is only a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase-A and -B activity but that it inhibits the synaptosomal uptake of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) with approximately equal affinity. However, other in vitro binding assays carried out using St John's wort extract demonstrated significant affinity for adenosine, GABA(A), GABA(B) and glutamate receptors. In vivo St John's wort extract leads to a downregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and an upregulation of serotonin 5-HT(2) receptors in the rat frontal cortex and causes changes in neurotransmitter concentrations in brain areas that are implicated in depression. In studies using the rat forced swimming test, an animal model of depression, St John's wort extracts induced a significant reduction of immobility. In other experimental models of depression, including acute and chronic forms of escape deficit induced by stressors, St John's wort extract was shown to protect rats from the consequences of unavoidable stress. Recent neuroendocrine studies suggest that St John's wort is involved in the regulation of genes that control hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. With regard to the antidepressant effects of St John's wort extract, many of the pharmacological activities appear to be attributable to the naphthodianthrone hypericin, the phloroglucinol derivative hyperforin and several flavonoids. This review integrates new findings of possible mechanisms that may underlie the antidepressant action of St John's wort and its active constituents with a large body of existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Butterweck
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Simmen U, Bobirnac I, Ullmer C, Lübbert H, Berger Büter K, Schaffner W, Schoeffter P. Antagonist effect of pseudohypericin at CRF1 receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 458:251-6. [PMID: 12504780 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is widely used for the treatment of mild to moderately severe depression. However, the nature of its active principles and the exact mode of antidepressant action are still unknown. It has been suggested repeatedly in preclinical and clinical studies that the content of the acylphloroglucinol hyperforin decisively contributes to the antidepressant efficacy of St. John's wort extracts. Experimental studies in vivo also indicate that the naphthodianthrone hypericin may reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Exacerbated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity has often been associated with depressive states in patients. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) seems to be a major determinant in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity via activation of CRF(1) receptors. In the present study, we investigated the CRF(1) receptor antagonist activity of three main constituents of St. John's wort (hypericin, pseudohypericin and hyperforin) by measuring their effect on CRF-stimulated cAMP formation in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. As a selectivity test, the compounds were also tested against calcitonin in the same cells. Of the three compounds tested, only pseudohypericin selectively antagonised CRF (K(B) 0.76 microM). Hypericin and hyperforin affected both CRF and calcitonin with similar potencies and the same type of behaviour (competitive antagonism for hypericin, noncompetitive for hyperforin). It is concluded that pseudohypericin is the only real CRF(1) receptor antagonist of the three constituents tested. In addition, evidence is provided that beside hyperforin, both pseudohypericin and hypericin are implicated in the antidepressant efficacy of St. John's wort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urs Simmen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Basel, Witterswil, Switzerland.
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Widy-Tyszkiewicz E, Piechal A, Joniec I, Blecharz-Klin K. Long term administration of Hypericum perforatum improves spatial learning and memory in the water maze. Biol Pharm Bull 2002; 25:1289-94. [PMID: 12392080 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.25.1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of long-term Hypericum perforatum treatment on spatial learning and memory in rats. Hypericum preparation (HP) standardized to 0.3% hypericin content was administered orally for 9 weeks in doses of 4.3 and 13 microg/kg corresponding to therapeutic dosages in humans of 0.3 and 0.9 mg of total hypericins daily. A Morris water maze paradigm was used. The mean escape latency over 4 d for the Control group (21.9 s) and HP 4.3 group (21.7 s) was significantly greater than the latency of the HP 13 group (15.8s). In the probe trial on day 5, the HP 13 group crossed the correct annulus in the SE quadrant more often (4.5) than the other groups: Con (2.4) and HP 4.3 (3.1). After completion of the behavioral experiment, the regional brain concentrations of monoamines and metabolites were estimated in selected brain regions, i.e. prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated significant differences in the content of monoamines and metabolites between the treatment groups compared to the Control. The increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the prefrontal cortex correlated positively with the retention of spatial memory. These findings show that the long-term administration of Hypericum perforatum can improve learning and spatial memory with significant changes in the content of monoamines in several brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Widy-Tyszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland.
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