1
|
Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Winker M, Chauveau A, Smieško M, Potterat O, Areesanan A, Zimmermann-Klemd A, Gründemann C. Immunological evaluation of herbal extracts commonly used for treatment of mental diseases during pregnancy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9630. [PMID: 37316493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35952-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonpsychotic mental diseases (NMDs) affect approximately 15% of pregnant women in the US. Herbal preparations are perceived a safe alternative to placenta-crossing antidepressants or benzodiazepines in the treatment of nonpsychotic mental diseases. But are these drugs really safe for mother and foetus? This question is of great relevance to physicians and patients. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of St. John's wort, valerian, hops, lavender, and California poppy and their compounds hyperforin and hypericin, protopine, valerenic acid, and valtrate, as well as linalool, on immune modulating effects in vitro. For this purpose a variety of methods was applied to assess the effects on viability and function of human primary lymphocytes. Viability was assessed via spectrometric assessment, flow cytometric detection of cell death markers and comet assay for possible genotoxicity. Functional assessment was conducted via flow cytometric assessment of proliferation, cell cycle and immunophenotyping. For California poppy, lavender, hops, and the compounds protopine and linalool, and valerenic acid, no effect was found on the viability, proliferation, and function of primary human lymphocytes. However, St. John's wort and valerian inhibited the proliferation of primary human lymphocytes. Hyperforin, hypericin, and valtrate inhibited viability, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell division. Calculated maximum concentration of compounds in the body fluid, as well as calculated concentrations based on pharmacokinetic data from the literature, were low and supported that the observed effects in vitro would probably have no relevance on patients. In-silico analyses comparing the structure of studied substances with the structure of relevant control substances and known immunosuppressants revealed structural similarities of hyperforin and valerenic acid to the glucocorticoids. Valtrate showed structural similarities to the T cells signaling modulating drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Winker
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Chauveau
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Potterat
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Areesanan
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amy Zimmermann-Klemd
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Carsten Gründemann
- Translational Complementary Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hypericum perforatum and Its Ingredients Hypericin and Pseudohypericin Demonstrate an Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050530. [PMID: 35631357 PMCID: PMC9146521 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has constituted a major challenge to human health, particularly due to the lack of efficient antivirals to be used against the virus during routine treatment interventions. Multiple treatment options have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products, such as plant extracts, may be a promising option, as they have shown an antiviral activity against other viruses in the past. Here, a quantified extract of Hypericum perforatum was tested and found to possess a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral potency of the extract could be attributed to the naphtodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, in contrast to other tested ingredients of the plant material, which did not show any antiviral activity. Hypericum perforatum and its main active ingredient hypericin were also effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Concerning its mechanism of action, evidence was obtained that Hypericum perforatum and hypericin may hold a direct virus-blocking effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Taken together, the presented data clearly emphasize the promising antiviral activity of Hypericum perforatum and its active ingredients against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun Y, Liang C, Zheng L, Liu L, Li Z, Yang G, Li Y. Anti-fatigue effect of hypericin in a chronic forced exercise mouse model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114767. [PMID: 34710555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hypericum perforatum L. is a traditional Chinese medicine used to sooth the liver, relieve depression, reduce body temperature, reduce sweating, and stimulate lactation. HP was extracted from Hypericum perforatum L. AIM OF STUDY The antifatigue effects of hypericin were assessed in a series of experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six-to eight-week-old male ICR mice were raised in our lab. Mice were subjected to swimming training for 2 h, 6 days/week for 6 weeks. One hour prior to each swimming session, intraperitoneal injection of saline or HP (2 or 4 mg/kg) was performed. RESULTS Compared with the fatigue model control group, HP was found to significantly increase the swimming time in forced swimming tests. The molecular mechanisms underlying the antifatigue effects were further revealed by analysing energy metabolism, the oxidant-antioxidant system and the inflammatory response. HP normalized changes in BLA, LDH, BUN, and CK, LG in the liver. In addition, multiple assays have confirmed that HP improved the MDA, T-AOC, GSH-PX and SOD activity, and the relevant signalling pathways involved in the antifatigue effects were clarified. Furthermore, HP improves the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the anti-chronic fatigue effects of HP are likely achieved by normalizing energy metabolism and attenuating oxidative and inflammatory responses. Consequently, this study supports HP use in the clinic to alleviate chronic fatigue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- School of Physical Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Chen Liang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China.
| | - Zhijin Li
- Xiamen Health and Medical Big Data Center (Xiamen Medicine Research Institute), Xiamen Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Research and Development, Xiamen, Fujian, 361008, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Physical Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China.
| | - Yuxin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Y, Wang S, Jiang X, Wang X, Zhou X, Wan L, Zhao H, Zhou Z, Gao L, Huang G, Ni Y, He X. Preparation and validation of cyclodextrin-based excipients for radioiodinated hypericin applied in a targeted cancer radiotherapy. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120393. [PMID: 33639227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iodine-131 labeled hypericin (131I-Hyp) has been utilized as a necrosis-avid theragnostic tracer in a dual targeting pan-anticancer strategy called OncoCiDia. Widespread use of previously-tested solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is limited by safety concerns. To tackle this, the present study was designed to explore a clinically feasible excipient for the formulation of the hydrophobic 131I-Hyp for intravenous administration. METHOD Solubility of Hyp in serial solutions of already-approved hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was evaluated by UVspectrophotometry and 50% HP-β-CD was chosen for further experiments. Two novel HP-β-CD-based formulations of 131I-Hyp were compared with previous DMSO-based formulation, with regards to necrosis-targetability and biodistribution, by magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), gamma counting, autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy and histopathology. RESULTS Hyp solubility was enhanced with increasing HP-β-CD concentrations. The radiochemical purity of 131I-Hyp was higher than 90% in all formulations. The necrosis-targetability of 131I-Hyp in the novel formulations was confirmed in vivo by SPECT and in vitro by autoradiography, fluorescence microscopy and histopathology. The plasma clearance of radioactivity was faster in the novel formulations. CONCLUSION The novel 131I-Hyp formulations with HP-β-CD could be a suitable pharmaceutical excipient for 131I-Hyp for intravenous administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Shuncong Wang
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Xiao Jiang
- PET/CT Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Xiaoxiong Wang
- PET/CT Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Liangrong Wan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - LingJie Gao
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| | - Yicheng Ni
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Group, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Das S, Tiwari M, Mondal D, Sahoo BR, Tiwari DK. Growing tool-kit of photosensitizers for clinical and non-clinical applications. J Mater Chem B 2020; 8:10897-10940. [PMID: 33165483 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb02085k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Photosensitizers are photosensitive molecules utilized in clinical and non-clinical applications by taking advantage of light-mediated reactive oxygen generation, which triggers local and systemic cellular toxicity. Photosensitizers are used for diverse biological applications such as spatio-temporal inactivation of a protein in a living system by chromophore-assisted light inactivation, localized cell photoablation, photodynamic and immuno-photodynamic therapy, and correlative light-electron microscopy imaging. Substantial efforts have been made to develop several genetically encoded, chemically synthesized, and nanotechnologically driven photosensitizers for successful implementation in redox biology applications. Genetically encoded photosensitizers (GEPS) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating proteins have the advantage of using them in the living system since they can be manipulated by genetic engineering with a variety of target-specific genes for the precise spatio-temporal control of ROS generation. The GEPS variety is limited but is expanding with a variety of newly emerging GEPS proteins. Apart from GEPS, a large variety of chemically- and nanotechnologically-empowered photosensitizers have been developed with a major focus on photodynamic therapy-based cancer treatment alone or in combination with pre-existing treatment methods. Recently, immuno-photodynamic therapy has emerged as an effective cancer treatment method using smartly designed photosensitizers to initiate and engage the patient's immune system so as to empower the photosensitizing effect. In this review, we have discussed various types of photosensitizers, their clinical and non-clinical applications, and implementation toward intelligent efficacy, ROS efficiency, and target specificity in biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Environment, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206, India.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Araújo PR, Fonseca-Santos B, Kogawa AC, Salgado HRN, Chorilli M. A Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Hypericin in Foods, Herbal, Biological and Pharmaceutical Matrices. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:4648-4657. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200531145624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aims:
A review of analytical methods for the determination of hypericin in foods, herbal, biological
and pharmaceutical matrices.
Background:
Hypericin (HYP) is a naturally-occurring pigment obtained from some plants of the genus Hypericum.
Although HYP has been known for many years, it has recently attracted attention due to its varied biological
properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity and it is also an efficient photosensitizer.
Objective:
The objective of this review is to provide insights into the physicochemical properties of HYP, as well
as to report the analytical methods existing in the literature and official compendia for different matrices.
Methods:
The survey data were collected by Google Scholar® and Scopus® using keys terms.
Result:
Analytical methods involving HYP are mainly concerned with the quality control of pharmaceutical
preparations, foods, beverages, biological samples and drug delivery systems using different types of analysis
methods. Some difficulties have also been identified due to the physicochemical properties of HYP. It presents
great solubility in alkaline solutions, organic bases and common polar organic solvents.
Conclusion:
It can be analyzed by thin layer chromatography, spectrophotometry in the ultraviolet region, but the
most commonly used method is by HPLC. HYP presents monographs in the American, British and European
Pharmacopoeias, however, the methods of analysis are not yet harmonized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rocha de Araújo
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Fonseca-Santos
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Kogawa
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Hérida Regina Nunes Salgado
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Drugs and Medicines, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sardoiwala MN, Kushwaha AC, Dev A, Shrimali N, Guchhait P, Karmakar S, Roy Choudhury S. Hypericin-Loaded Transferrin Nanoparticles Induce PP2A-Regulated BMI1 Degradation in Colorectal Cancer-Specific Chemo-Photodynamic Therapy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3139-3153. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Avinash Chandra Kushwaha
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre, Phase 10, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Atul Dev
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre, Phase 10, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Nishith Shrimali
- Disease Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, National Capital Region Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Prasenjit Guchhait
- Disease Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, National Capital Region Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Surajit Karmakar
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre, Phase 10, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Subhasree Roy Choudhury
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre, Phase 10, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wise K, Selby-Pham S, Bennett L, Selby-Pham J. Pharmacokinetic properties of phytochemicals in Hypericum perforatum influence efficacy of regulating oxidative stress. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 59:152763. [PMID: 31004882 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypericum perforatum is used in ethnopharmacology and has recently become popular in conventional medicine for treatment of mild to moderate depression. The abundance of potentially functional phytochemicals and their broader utilizations in traditional medicine suggests that ingestion of H. perforatum may impart additional secondary health benefits. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE Considering that many phytochemicals are known to display antioxidant activity, it was hypothesized that H. perforatum ingestion may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation (OSI) which occurs in transient cycles following exercise and consumption of meals. The aim of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics of H. perforatum phytochemicals after ingestion to predict the absorption timing of putative medicinal phytochemicals. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS In silico analyses of previously published plant extract phytochemical profiles were performed, wherein the Phytochemical Absorption Prediction (PCAP) model was used to predict the pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals. The predicted times for phytochemicals to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), and associated antioxidant activities, were compared to prior clinical in vivo studies to assess the accuracy and applicability of predictions. RESULTS The PCAP model identified that phytochemicals with antioxidant activity concurrently accumulate in plasma with Tmax in the range of 1.6-2.3 h after ingestion. Comparison with previously published results identified that attenuation of OSI following H. perforatum ingestion aligns with the predicted Tmax of antioxidant phytochemicals. CONCLUSION Based on these results it is therefore recommended that H. perforatum administration occurs 2 h before meals to provide optimal secondary health benefits associated with inhibition of postprandial stress. Additionally, these results highlight the use of in silico analyses to inform ingestion time and optimize the health benefits from ingestion of plant-based foods and medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimber Wise
- Nutrifield, Sunshine West, VIC 3020, Australia
| | - Sophie Selby-Pham
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Louise Bennett
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sobaci G, Bayraktar M, Karslioğlu Y, Durukan A, Hurmeriç V, Aykaş S. Hypericin-Enhanced Argon Laser Photocoagulation for Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascular Membrane in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study. Eur J Ophthalmol 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/112067210601600119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypericin-enhanced argon laser photocoagulation (H-ALP) in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (CNM) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods After preliminary studies for definition of parameters, argon-green laser was administered 4 hours after single dose of oral 1800 mg hypericin (Saint-John's wort tablets, 0.3%, 300 mg) with a subthreshold light fluence, 24 J/cm2 in 34 eyes (20 with subfoveal classical and 14 with subfoveal occult CNM). Additionally, histopathologic examination was done in two eyes destined for enucleation and exenteration. Maintenance therapy (one tablet, twice a day) was performed for the following 6 months. Anatomic (complete closure of CNM) and functional success (improvement of final visual acuity in three or more Snellen lines) were analyzed with minimum 6-month follow-ups. Results Histopathologic examinations revealed photothrombosed choriocapillaries together with minimal retinal pigment epithelial disruption in H-ALP exposed areas. One to four (mean 1.88±0.91) treatment sessions were applied in 6 to 29 months (mean 12.2±5.1 months) follow-up period. Twenty-three (67.6%) eyes had 12 months follow-up. Two eyes in each group had functional success (20% in subfoveal classical and 14.3% in subfoveal occult CNM), which had a minimum 12-month follow-up. Anatomic success was achieved in 16 of 20 (80%) eyes with subfoveal classical and 10 of 14 (71.4%) eyes with subfoveal occult CNM. Severe gastric irritation was noted in 1 (2.9%) and pigment epithelial rupture in 2 (5.9%) patients. Conclusions H-ALP is a novel and low-cost treatment for subfoveal CNM secondary to ARMD. It seems its efficacy depends on the photodynamic and antiproliferative properties of hypericin. Comparative studies are required to apply this new technique in ophthalmic practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G. Sobaci
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| | - M.Z. Bayraktar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| | - Y. Karslioğlu
- Department of Pathology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| | - A.H. Durukan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| | - V. Hurmeriç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| | - S. Aykaş
- Department of Ophthalmology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical School (GMMA-MS), Ankara -Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abma E, Peremans K, De Vos F, Bosmans T, Kitshoff AM, Daminet S, Ni Y, Dockx R, de Rooster H. Biodistribution and tolerance of intravenous iodine-131-labelled hypericin in healthy dogs. Vet Comp Oncol 2018; 16:318-323. [PMID: 29314561 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin (Hyp) is a necrosis-avid compound that can be efficiently labelled with radioiodine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Before 131 I-Hyp can be considered as a clinically useful drug in a combination therapy for canine cancer patients, evaluation of its toxicity is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodistribution and tolerance of a single dose administration of 131 I-Hyp. Three healthy dogs were included. 131 I-Hyp at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg and an activity of 185 MBq was intravenously injected. The effects on physical, haematological and biochemical parameters were characterized and the biodistribution and elimination pattern, the effective half-life and dose rate were assessed. Drug-related adverse events were limited to mild gastrointestinal signs, resolving within 48 hours. No significant differences were found in blood haematology and serum biochemistry before and after treatment. Following administration, highest percentage of injected dose (%ID ± SD) was found in the liver (5.5 ± 0.33), the lungs (4.17 ± 0.14) and the heart (3.11 ± 0.78). After 24 hours, highest %ID was found in colon (4.25 ± 1.45) and liver (3.45 ± 0.60). Clearance from all organs was effective within 7 days. Effective half-life was established at 80 hours, and the dose rate fell below <20 μSv/h at 1 m within 1 day. The current study reveals that single dose treatment with 131 I-Hyp at the described dose is well tolerated by healthy dogs and supports the use of radioiodinated hypericin in a combination therapy for canine cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Abma
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Peremans
- Department of Medical Imaging and Orthopaedics of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - F De Vos
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - T Bosmans
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - A M Kitshoff
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - S Daminet
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Y Ni
- Theragnostic Lab, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Dockx
- Department of Medical Imaging and Orthopaedics of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - H de Rooster
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Jiang C, Jiang X, Sun Z, Cona MM, Liu W, Zhang J, Ni Y. Biliary and duodenal drainage for reducing the radiotoxic risk of antineoplastic 131I-hypericin in rat models. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2015; 240:1764-73. [PMID: 25956680 DOI: 10.1177/1535370215584891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Necrosis targeting radiopharmaceutical (131)I-hypericin ((131)I-Hyp) has been studied for the therapy of solid malignancies. However, serious side effects may be caused by its unwanted radioactivity after being metabolized by the liver and excreted via bile in the digestive tract. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate two kinds of bile draining for reducing them. Thirty-eight normal rats were intravenously injected with (131)I-Hyp, 24 of which were subjected to the common bile duct (CBD) drainage for gamma counting of collected bile and tissues during 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, and 19-24 h (n = 6 each group), 12 of which were divided into two groups (n = 6 each group) for comparison of the drainage efficiency between CBD catheterization and duodenum intubation by collecting their bile at the first 4 h. Afterwards the 12 rats together with the last two rats which were not drained were scanned via single-photon emission computerized tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) to check the differences. The images showed that almost no intestinal radioactivity can be found in those 12 drained rats while discernible radioactivity in the two undrained rats. The results also indicated that the most of the radioactivity was excreted from the bile within the first 12 h, accounting to 92% within 24 h. The radioactive metabolites in the small and large intestines peaked at 12 h and 18 h, respectively. No differences were found in those two ways of drainages. Thus bile drainage is highly recommended for the patients who were treated by (131)I-Hyp if human being and rats have a similar excretion pattern. This strategy can be clinically achieved by using a nasobiliary or nasoduodenal drainage catheter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Lab of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 210028 Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Cuihua Jiang
- Lab of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 210028 Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- PET/CT center, the Sichuan Cancer Hospital, 610048 Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ziping Sun
- Radiation Medical Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250062 Jinan, P.R. China
| | | | - Wei Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210009 Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Lab of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 210028 Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yicheng Ni
- Lab of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 210028 Nanjing, P.R. China Radiation Medical Institute, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 250062 Jinan, P.R. China Department of Radiology, Campus Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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]
|
14
|
Hammer KDP, Birt DF. Evidence for contributions of interactions of constituents to the anti-inflammatory activity of Hypericum perforatum. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2014; 54:781-9. [PMID: 24345048 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2011.607519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum (Hp) extracts contain many different classes of constituents including flavonoids and biflavonoids, phloroglucinols, naphthodianthrones, caffeic acid derivatives, and unknown and/or unidentified compounds. Many constituents may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of Hp including quercetin and derivatives, hyperforin, pseudohypericin, and amentoflavone. In line with antidepressant data, it appears that the interactions of constituents may be important for the anti-inflammatory activity of Hp. Interactions of constituents, tested in bioavailability models, may explain why synergistic mechanisms have been found to be important for antidepressant and antiproliferative bioactivities. This review highlights the relationship among individual constituents and the anti-inflammatory activity of Hp extracts and proposes that interactions of constituents may be important for the anti-inflammatory activity of botanical extracts, although the exact mechanisms of the interactions are still unclear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D P Hammer
- a Center for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements , Iowa State University , Ames , Iowa , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cona MM, Feng Y, Verbruggen A, Oyen R, Ni Y. Improved clearance of radioiodinated hypericin as a targeted anticancer agent by using a duodenal drainage catheter in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2013; 238:1437-49. [PMID: 24146264 DOI: 10.1177/1535370213508235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to reduce the radioactive intestinal waste after intravenous injection of necrosis avid iodine-131-labeled hypericin in dual-targeting anticancer radiotherapy and to study its pharmacokinetics in rats using a newly designed catheter. Iodine-123-labeled hypericin was prepared with iodogen as oxidant and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. After iodine-123-labeled hypericin administration, duodenal juice was collected via a catheter from groups of rats (n = 5) at intervals of 0-4, 4-8 or 20-24 h. The content was assessed by gamma-counting. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of iodine-123-labeled hypericin were investigated in rats without (n = 5) and with continuous catheterization (n = 5) for 9 h. After labeling, a high radiochemical yield was obtained with iodine-123-labeled hypericin (>95%), as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. In the duodenal aspirate from animals with intermittent catheterization during 24 h, radioactivity accounted for 46% of the total with two peaks at 3 h and 8 h, suggesting enterohepatic circulation. Rats with 9 h of catheterization exhibited one peak representing 20% of the radioactivity. Major metabolites appeared to be conjugated iodine-123-labeled hypericin forms. In rats without and with catheter, iodine-123-labeled hypericin showed exponential elimination from plasma with no significant dehalogenation. Delayed iodine-123-labeled hypericin excretion, a higher maximum concentration (Cmax), larger area under concentration-time curve [AUC(0-∞)] and a longer mean residence time were observed in non-catheterized animals (P < 0.05). The catheterized group exhibited lower urinary excretion than non-catheterized group (P < 0.05). Rats with a catheter showed lower radioactivity (P = 0.01) in the small intestines than those without a catheter (1.82 ± 0.41 versus 18.95 ± 4.32 percentage of the injected dose). After iodine-123-labeled hypericin administration, the radioactivity excreted into bile was efficiently removed from the body via a duodenal catheter. Radiation overexposure due to the prolonged elimination of iodine-131-labeled hypericin can be prevented using this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlein Miranda Cona
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kong M, Zhang J, Jiang C, Jiang X, Li Y, Gao M, Yao N, Huang D, Wang X, Fang Z, Liu W, Sun Z, Ni Y. Necrosis affinity evaluation of 131I-hypericin in a rat model of induced necrosis. J Drug Target 2013; 21:604-10. [PMID: 23627568 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2013.789034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancers are often with spontaneous or therapeutic necrosis that could be utilized as a generic target for developing new treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of radioiodinated hypericin (Hyp), a naturally occurring compound, after intravenous (i.v.) injection in a rat model of liver and muscle necrosis (n = 42), and evaluate its necrosis affinity. Hyp was labeled with (131)I with labeling efficiency >99%. After incubating in solution/rat plasma for 8 days, radiochemical purity of (131)I-Hyp remained 98.1 and 97.1%, respectively, indicating good in vitro stability. SPECT-CT images at 24 h after i.v. injection of (131)I-Hyp in rats with induced liver and muscle necrosis showed obvious tracer absorption in necrotic tissues. Biodistribution studies revealed that the percentage of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) evolved from 1.9 %ID/g at 6 h, through a maximum 3.0 %ID/g at 12 h, to 1.0 %ID/g at 192 h in necrotic liver. Pharmacokinetics studies revealed that the terminal elimination half-life, total body clearance and area under the curve of (131)I-Hyp were 32.7 h, 9.2 L/h/kg and 1.6 MBq/L*h, respectively. These results demonstrated that (131)I-Hyp features a long blood circulation in animals and persistent retention in necrotic tissues. Therefore, (131)I-labeled Hyp could be a broad-spectrum anti-tumor agent with a cost much cheaper relative to the biological agents such as monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Kong
- Lab of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Evaluation of the in vitro Inhibitory Impact of Hypericin on Placental Glutathione S-Transferase pi. Protein J 2012; 31:544-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-012-9433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
18
|
Perioperative Herbal and Supplement Use. Gynecol Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118003435.ch17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
19
|
O'Connor AE, Gallagher WM, Byrne AT. Porphyrin and nonporphyrin photosensitizers in oncology: preclinical and clinical advances in photodynamic therapy. Photochem Photobiol 2009; 85:1053-74. [PMID: 19682322 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2009.00585.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 815] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is now a well-recognized modality for the treatment of cancer. While PDT has developed progressively over the last century, great advances have been observed in the field in recent years. The concept of dual selectivity of PDT agents is now widely accepted due to the relative specificity and selectivity of PDT along with the absence of harmful side effects often encountered with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Traditionally, porphyrin-based photosensitizers have dominated the PDT field but these first generation photosensitizers have several disadvantages, with poor light absorption and cutaneous photosensitivity being the predominant side effects. As a result, the requirement for new photosensitizers, including second generation porphyrins and porphyrin derivatives as well as third generation photosensitizers has arisen, with the aim of alleviating the problems encountered with first generation porphyrins and improving the efficacy of PDT. The investigation of nonporphyrin photosensitizers for the development of novel PDT agents has been considerably less extensive than porphyrin-based compounds; however, structural modification of nonporphyrin photosensitizers has allowed for manipulation of the photochemotherapeutic properties. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into PDT photosensitizers clinically approved for application in oncology, as well as those which show significant potential in ongoing preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisling E O'Connor
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hellum BH, Hu Z, Nilsen OG. Trade herbal products and induction of CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 in cultured human hepatocytes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009; 105:58-63. [PMID: 19371257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the dose-dependent induction potential of six commonly used trade herbal products on CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 metabolic activities in cultured human hepatocytes. S-mephenytoin and chlorzoxazone were used as specific CYP substrates, respectively, and rifampicin was used as a positive induction control for both enzymes. The hepatocytes were exposed to herbal extracts in increasing and biological relevant concentrations for 72 hrs and CYP substrate metabolites were quantified by validated HPLC methodologies. The major findings were that St John's wort was the most potent CYP-modulating herb, showing a dose-dependent induction/inhibition of both CYP2C19 and CYP2E1, with induction at low dosages and inhibition at higher. Ginkgo biloba showed an induction/inhibition profile towards CYP2C19 which was similar but weaker than that observed for St John's wort. If cooperative mechanisms are involved is still an open question. Common sage induced CYP2C19 in a log-linear dose-dependent manner with increasing concentrations. Common valerian was a weak inducer of CYP2C19, while horse chestnut and cone flower were characterized as non-inducers of CYP2C19. Only St John's wort showed an inductive effect towards CYP2E1. In addition to St John's wort, Gingko biloba and common sage should be considered as possible candidates for clinically relevant drug-herb interactions with selected CYP2C19 substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bent H Hellum
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wille SMR, Cooreman SG, Neels HM, Lambert WEE. Relevant Issues in the Monitoring and the Toxicology of Antidepressants. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 45:25-89. [DOI: 10.1080/10408360701713112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
22
|
Hellum BH, Nilsen OG. In vitro Inhibition of CYP3A4 Metabolism and P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Transport by Trade Herbal Products. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2008; 102:466-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00227.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
23
|
Determination of hypericin and pseudohypericin from Hypericum perforatum in rat brain after oral administration. MONATSHEFTE FUR CHEMIE 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00706-007-0792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
24
|
Bernd A, Simon S, Bosca AR, Kippenberger S, Alperi JD, Miquel J, Garcia JFV, Mira DP, Kaufmann R. Phototoxic Effects ofHypericumExtract in Cultures of Human Keratinocytes Compared with Those of Psoralen. Photochem Photobiol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.1999.tb03276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
25
|
Wills RB, Bone K, Morgan M. Herbal products: active constituents, modes of action and quality control. Nutr Res Rev 2007; 13:47-77. [DOI: 10.1079/095442200108729007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAn overview is given of the current position of medicinal herbs in general in relation to usage, market and production, types of pharmacological activity and how they differ from conventional drugs. The increasing importance of quality and manufactured products is also discussed. A more detailed consideration of these issues is given in relation to echinacea, valerian and St John's wort as these herbs are well studied, are market leaders and have widespread community usage.
Collapse
|
26
|
Delaey EM, Obermuëller R, Zupkó I, De Vos D, Falk H, De Witte PAM. In Vitro Study of the Photocytotoxicity of Some Hypericin Analogs on Different Cell Lines. Photochem Photobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1562/0031-8655(2001)0740164ivsotp2.0.co2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
27
|
Oztürk N, Korkmaz S, Oztürk Y. Wound-healing activity of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) on chicken embryonic fibroblasts. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2007; 111:33-9. [PMID: 17156955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2006] [Revised: 10/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Wound-healing effect of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) extract was evaluated by comparing with dexpanthenol and titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) on cultured chicken embryonic fibroblasts. Chicken embryonic fibroblasts from fertilized eggs were incubated with the plant extract, dexpanthenol and TECA. Using microscopical methods by staining cells, mitotic ability, morphologic changes and collagen production in the cultured fibroblasts were evaluated as parameters to approach its mechanism of action in wound repair. Findings obtained in the present study indicated that Hypericum perforatum extract exhibited a wound-healing activity whose mechanism of action is similar to that of TECA. Wound-healing activity of Hypericum perforatum extract seems to be mainly due to the increase in the stimulation of fibroblast collagen production and the activation of fibroblast cells in polygonal shape, which plays a role in wound repair by closing damaged area. The findings demonstrated the wound-healing activity of Hypericum perforatum, which has previously been based on ethnomedical data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nilgün Oztürk
- Anadolu University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Tepebaşi, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hellum BH, Hu Z, Nilsen OG. The induction of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 by six trade herbal products in cultured primary human hepatocytes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2007; 100:23-30. [PMID: 17214607 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00011.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro inductive potential of six commonly used trade herbal products on CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 metabolic activities. Herbal components were extracted from the trade products in a way that ensured a composition equal to that present in the original product. Primary human hepatocytes and specific CYP substrates were used. Classic inducers were used as positive controls and herbal extracts were added in in vivo-relevant concentrations. Metabolites were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). St. John's wort and common valerian were the strongest inducing herbs. In addition to induction of CYP3A4 by St. John's wort, common valerian and Ginkgo biloba increased the activity of CYP3A4 and 2D6 and CYP1A2 and 2D6, respectively. A general inhibitory potential was observed for horse chestnut, Echinacea purpurea and common sage. St. John's wort inhibited CYP3A4 metabolism at the highest applied concentration. Horse chestnut might be a herb with high inhibition potentials in vivo and should be explored further at lower concentrations. We show for the first time that G. biloba may exert opposite and biphasic effects on CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 metabolism. Induction of CYP1A2 and inhibition of CYP2D6 were found at low concentrations; the opposite was observed at high concentrations. CYP2D6 activity, regarded generally as non-inducible, was increased by exposure to common valerian (linear to dose) and G. biloba (highest concentration). An allosteric activation is suggested. From the data obtained, G. biloba, common valerian and St. John's wort are suggested as candidates for clinically significant CYP interactions in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bent H Hellum
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wurglics M, Schubert-Zsilavecz M. Hypericum perforatum: a 'modern' herbal antidepressant: pharmacokinetics of active ingredients. Clin Pharmacokinet 2006; 45:449-68. [PMID: 16640452 DOI: 10.2165/00003088-200645050-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort [SJW]) counts among the most favourite herbal drugs, and is the only herbal alternative to classic synthetic antidepressants in the therapy of mild to moderate depression. Several clinical studies have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of ethanolic or methanolic extracts of SJW. Alcoholic SJW extracts are a mixture of substances with widely varying physical and chemical properties and activities. Hyperforin, a phloroglucinol derivative, is the main source of pharmacological effects caused by the consumption of alcoholic extracts of SJW in the therapy of depression. However, several studies indicate that flavone derivatives, e.g. rutin, and also the naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, take part in the antidepressant efficacy. In contrast to the amount of documentation concerning clinical efficacy, oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic data about the active components are rather scarce. The hyperforin plasma concentration in humans was investigated in a small number of studies. The results of these studies indicate a relevant plasma concentration, comparable with that used in in vitro tests. Furthermore, hyperforin is the only ingredient of H. perforatum that could be determined in the brain of rodents after oral administration of alcoholic extracts. The plasma concentrations of the hypericins were, compared with hyperforin, only one-tenth and, until now, the hypericins could not be found in the brain after oral administration of alcoholic H. perforatum extracts or pure hypericin. Until now, the pharmacokinetic profile of the flavonoids in humans after oral administration of an alcoholic H. perforatum extract has been investigated in only one study. More data are available for rutin and the aglycone quercetin after administration of pure substances or other flavonoid sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Wurglics
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ZAFES, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lawvere S, Mahoney MC, Cummings KM, Kepner JL, Hyland A, Lawrence DD, Murphy JM. A Phase II study of St. John's Wort for smoking cessation. Complement Ther Med 2006; 14:175-84. [PMID: 16911897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2006.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the feasibility and efficacy of St. John's Wort (SJW) for smoking cessation. DESIGN This one-arm Phase II study utilized an exact two-stage group sequential design with a 1-week run-in period between the start of SJW treatment and the designated quit date. A total of 37 smokers (ages 18-65 years, smoking > or = 10 cigarettes/day) were started on SJW. Thirteen failed to make a verified quit attempt on the predesignated date and were taken off study resulting in 24 evaluable subjects. SETTING Smokers completed clinic visits at a cancer center with interval telephone calls and mailings. INTERVENTION Standardized SJW, 450 mg capsules taken orally twice daily along with cessation counseling messages. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects completed validated surveys and a focused physical examination at baseline. Evaluable subjects were defined as those subjects who made a confirmed quit attempt on their "quit date" 1 week following initiation of SJW. Smoking status was determined through self-report and bioverification using carbon monoxide (CO) testing. RESULTS Among evaluable subjects, the 12-week quit rate was 37.5% (9/24). Quitters had no significant change in weight from baseline to 12-weeks cessation. Use of SJW was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Based upon these results (which suggest that SJW may be effective in maintaining smoking cessation) and the high compliance and few AEs, we conclude that SJW demonstrates feasibility for use in smoking cessation. If SJW proves to be effective in larger controlled studies, it could represent a less expensive, more readily accessible and well-tolerated agent to promote tobacco cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Lawvere
- Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Beattie PE, Dawe RS, Traynor NJ, Woods JA, Ferguson J, Ibbotson SH. Can St John's wort (hypericin) ingestion enhance the erythemal response during high-dose ultraviolet A1 therapy? Br J Dermatol 2006; 153:1187-91. [PMID: 16307656 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.06946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND St John's wort (SJW) is widely used as a treatment for depression. A phototoxic reaction, due to its content of hypericin, can occur in animals and in cell culture, and has been reported in humans. Hypericin displays absorption within the ultraviolet (UV) A1 spectrum and there may therefore be a potential for phototoxicity if taken during high-dose UVA1 therapy. OBJECTIVES To assess the phototoxicity risk of SJW ingestion. METHODS Eleven adult volunteers of skin types I and II were exposed to a geometric dose series of UVA1 irradiation from a high-output source (Dermalight Ultra 1; Dr Hönle, Martinsreid, Germany; irradiance 70-77 mW cm(-2)) on the photoprotected lower back skin at eight 1.5-cm(2) test areas. Irradiation was carried out at baseline and after 10 days of SJW extract 1020 mg (equivalent to 3000 microg of hypericin) daily. Four, 8, 24 and 48 h after each exposure, the minimal erythema dose (MED) and the presence or absence of pigmentation were recorded visually and erythema was assessed objectively with an erythema meter. RESULTS The median MED and D(0.025), an objective measure of MED, were lower at all time-points after SJW ingestion. The visual erythemal peak (lowest median MED), which was seen at 8 h postirradiation, was lower after SJW (median 14 J cm(-2), range 10-56) than at baseline (median 20 J cm(-2), range 14-56) (P = 0.047). Similarly, the median D(0.025) at 8 h postirradiation was lower after SJW (median 22.0 J cm(-2), range 15.2-53.9) than at baseline (median 33.7 J cm(-2), range 22.9-136.0) (P = 0.014). The MED and D(0.025) were also significantly different at the 48-h and 4-h time-points, respectively. Significance was not reached at the 24-h time-point. Median intensity of postirradiation erythema increased at all time-points after ingestion of SJW. Despite these differences, the maximum slope of the dose-response curve was not increased after SJW ingestion. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that SJW extract has the potential to lower the erythemal threshold to UVA1 irradiation in a significant proportion of individuals and highlight the importance of ascertaining a full drug history, including herbal remedies, before initiating UVA1 phototherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P E Beattie
- Photobiology Unit, Dermatology Department, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, U.K.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gioti EM, Skalkos DC, Fiamegos YC, Stalikas CD. Single-drop liquid-phase microextraction for the determination of hypericin, pseudohypericin and hyperforin in biological fluids by high performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2005; 1093:1-10. [PMID: 16233865 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Revised: 07/06/2005] [Accepted: 07/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of hypericin, pseudohypericin (collectively called in this study hypericins) and hyperforin in biological fluids is reported using single-drop liquid-phase microextraction in conjunction with HPLC-UV-fluorescence detection. A new option for analysis of the active principle constituents in biological samples is proposed, reducing the steps required prior to analysis. There are several parameters which determine the mass transfer such as the extraction solvent, drop and sample volumes, extraction time and temperature, pH and ionic strength, stirring rate and depth of needle tip in the bulk solution. These parameters were chosen to optimize the performance in the current study. The method was validated with respect to precision, accuracy and specificity. The intra-day precision values were below 2.3% for the high concentration level of control samples and 6.2% for the low level. The respective inter-day precision values were calculated to be below 4.4 and 7.1%, respectively, for the two concentration levels. Accuracy of the method, calculated as relative error, ranged from -2.6 to 7.0%. It was demonstrated that as long as the extraction procedure is consistently applied, quantitative analysis is performed accurately and reproducibly in human urine and plasma samples. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) in urine were calculated to be 3, 6 and 12 ng/ml for pseudohypericin, hypericin and hyperforin, respectively. Slightly higher limits were measured in plasma, i.e. 5, 12 and 20 ng/ml, for the respective analytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni M Gioti
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, Dourouti, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Holstege
- Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0774, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Crnolatac I, Huygens A, van Aerschot A, Busson R, Rozenski J, de Witte PAM. Synthesis, in vitro cellular uptake and photo-induced antiproliferative effects of lipophilic hypericin acid derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem 2005; 13:6347-53. [PMID: 16213734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2004] [Revised: 04/19/2005] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Hypericin, a naturally occurring hydroxylated phenanthroperylene dione, is used as a powerful photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy as well as a diagnostic tool for the fluorescence detection of flat neoplastic lesions in the bladder of patients. Both applications are based on the tumouritropic characteristics of the compound. To get more insight into some of the physicochemical properties of hypericin affecting its tumouritropic characteristics, we set out to synthesize a series of more lipophilic hypericins. For this purpose, a synthetic pathway to hypericin acid amides with hydrocarbon chains of different lengths stably attached by an amide bond at position C10 was explored. Hypericin acid proved inert in amide forming reactions, whereas the precursor protohypericin acid showed higher reactivity and resulted in the desired amide derivatives, which afterwards can be easily converted into their phenanthroperylene dione form. Hexyl-, octyl-, decyl- and dodecylamides of hypericin acid were successfully synthesized in this way. In vitro cellular uptake and photo-induced antiproliferative effects of the compounds were evaluated, using the human moderately differentiated non-invasive papillary transitional carcinoma RT-112 cell line. Whereas the more lipophilic amides were taken up limitedly, the hexylamide accumulated approx. as well as hypericin itself. From the antiproliferative data it can further be concluded that not only the cellular uptake, but also the light-induced activity, is affected by the introduced structural changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Crnolatac
- Laboratorium voor Farmaceutische Biologie en Fytofarmacologie, Faculteit Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Traynor NJ, Beattie PE, Ibbotson SH, Moseley H, Ferguson J, Woods JA. Photogenotoxicity of hypericin in HaCaT keratinocytes: Implications for St. John's Wort supplements and high dose UVA-1 therapy. Toxicol Lett 2005; 158:220-4. [PMID: 15890476 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2005] [Revised: 03/31/2005] [Accepted: 03/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Extract of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used as natural remedy for treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, it contains a powerful photoactive component, hypericin, which can cause a severe photodermatitis when eaten by grazing animals (hypericism). In humans, there is evidence that supplementation with St. John's Wort can reduce the minimal erythemal dose (MED) in patients undergoing high dose UVA-1 phototherapy. This is a recent development in phototherapy where the most erythemogenic parts of the UVA spectrum are filtered out, allowing delivery of higher doses of the longer wavelengths of UVA. Although current published evidence suggests that the plasma levels of hypericin are unlikely to cause clinical phototoxicity, it has been established that photoactive compounds can cause DNA damage at sub-toxic and sub-erythemal doses, the effects of which might not be apparent for many years after the event. The present study used HaCaT keratinocytes to investigate the photoclastogenic ability of hypericin on irradiation with UVA. The results show that although the combination of hypericin and UVA light increased the genotoxic burden, when all factors are taken into account, the risk of significant photogenotoxic damage incurred by the combination of Hypericum extracts and UVA phototherapy may be low in the majority of individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N J Traynor
- Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kamuhabwa AAR, Di Mavungu JD, Baert L, D'Hallewin MA, Hoogmartens J, de Witte PAM. Determination of hypericin in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography after intravesical administration in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2005; 59:469-74. [PMID: 15760727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2004.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2003] [Revised: 09/01/2004] [Accepted: 09/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the systemic absorption of hypericin was investigated after intravesical instillation of the compound in nine patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) bladder tumors. Hypericin (8 microM) was instilled in the bladder for 2-3 h before photodynamic diagnosis of bladder tumors. Blood was then collected from a peripheral vein 1 h after termination of the instillation. Solid phase extraction with ammonium acetate buffer and methanol was used to extract hypericin from the plasma. A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection was used to identify and quantify hypericin in the extracts from plasma samples. Analysis of standard plasma samples, which were spiked with known amounts of hypericin, indicated that the pH of the buffer was a determining factor in the extraction yield. The results obtained using ammonium buffer (pH 3.5) and methanol showed the mean extraction recovery of hypericin to be 64% (RSD=12%, n=6). The limits of detection and quantification were 6 and 20 nM, respectively. Extraction and analysis of the plasma of patients after intravesical administration showed hypericin concentrations below the detection limit (<6 nM). In addition, photodynamic treatment of in vitro cultured HeLa cells incubated with 1-100 nM hypericin concentrations showed that lower concentrations (1-20 nM) of hypericin do not induce significant photocytotoxic effects. Taken together, these results imply that photosensitization or other systemic side effects in patients are not to be expected after photodynamic diagnosis of TCC bladder tumors with hypericin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Appolinary A R Kamuhabwa
- Laboratorium voor Farmaceutische Biologie en Fytofarmacologie, Faculteit Farmaceutische Wetenschappen, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Riedel KD, Rieger K, Martin-Facklam M, Mikus G, Haefeli WE, Burhenne J. Simultaneous determination of hypericin and hyperforin in human plasma with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2004; 813:27-33. [PMID: 15556512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2004.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2004] [Accepted: 09/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A selective and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of hypericin and hyperforin--the two main active ingredients of St. John's Wort (SJW) extract--in human plasma depending on liquid/liquid-extraction and LC/MS/MS detection has been developed, validated after specifying the stability of the photosensitive hypericin in plasma samples during light exposure and applied to samples of a patient. After extraction with ethyl acetate/n-hexane in the darkness, sample extracts were chromatographed isocratically within 6 min on a Kromasil RP-18 column. The analytes were detected with tandem mass spectrometry in the selected reaction monitoring mode using an electrospray ion source. The limit of quantification was 0.05 ng/mL for hypericin and 0.035 ng/mL for hyperforin. The accuracy of the method varied between 101.9 and 114.2% and the precision ranged from 4.7 to 15.4% (S.D., batch-to-batch) for both analytes. The method was linear at least between 0.05 and 10 ng/mL for hypericin and between 0.035 and 100 ng/mL for hyperforin. Using this method hypericin and hyperforin were determined successfully in a patient over seven days following discontinuation of exposure with therapeutic doses of St. John's Wort extract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus-Dieter Riedel
- Department of Internal Medicine VI, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Martin-Facklam M, Rieger K, Riedel KD, Burhenne J, Walter-Sack I, Haefeli WE. Undeclared exposure to St. John's Wort in hospitalized patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2004; 58:437-41. [PMID: 15373938 PMCID: PMC1884598 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02169.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Accepted: 04/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The herbal medicine St. John's Wort (SJW) causes substantial decreases in the plasma concentrations of a range of co-administered drugs. Therefore, we evaluated the extent of systemic exposure to hyperforin and hypericin, two of the main constituents of SJW, in patients on admission and during hospital stay, and compared the results with known use of SJW as documented in the drug chart and detected in additional interviews. METHODS One hundred and fifty patients aged > or = 18 years and admitted, between August 2000 and February 2002, to an internal medicine ward of a large German university hospital were included. Hyperforin and hypericin was determined in plasma by a sensitive liquid chromotography/mass spectometry (LC/MS/MS) method. To assess undeclared use of SJW the data were compared to information obtained from drug charts and from up to three interviews that had a particular focus on intake of herbal medicines and self-medication during hospitalization. RESULTS Hyperforin was detected in 12 patients (plasma concentration on the first day of hospitalization = 12-100 ng ml(-1) in five patients and < 3 ng ml(-1) in seven), and hypericin in five patients (0.5-4.3 ng ml(-1)). Nine patients (6%) were taking/had taken SJW without the knowledge of the medical team and the pharmacist, who conducted the additional interviews, and 11 (7.3%) were taking/had taken SJW without the knowledge of the medical team alone. Seven of these patients were treated concurrently with drugs that can interact with SJW. CONCLUSIONS Unrecognized use of SJW is frequent and may have an important influence on the effectiveness and safety of drug therapy during hospital stay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meret Martin-Facklam
- Department of Internal Medicine VI, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Johne A, Perloff ES, Bauer S, Schmider J, Mai I, Brockmöller J, Roots I. Impact of cytochrome P-450 inhibition by cimetidine and induction by carbamazepine on the kinetics of hypericin and pseudohypericin in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2004; 60:617-22. [PMID: 15372129 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-004-0823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2004] [Accepted: 07/21/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the influence of cimetidine and carbamazepine on the pharmacokinetics of the St. John's wort (SJW) ingredients hypericin and pseudohypericin. In a placebo-controlled, double blind study, 33 healthy volunteers were randomized into three treatment groups that received SJW extract (LI160) with different comedications (placebo, cimetidine, and carbamazepine) for 7 days after a run-in period of 11 days with SJW alone. Hypericin and pseudohypericin pharmacokinetics were measured on days 10 and 17. Between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in AUC(0-24), C(max), and t(max) values for hypericin and pseudohypericin. Within-group comparisons, however, revealed a statistically significant increase in hypericin AUC(0-24) from a median of 119 (range 82-163 microg h/l) to 149 microg h/l (61-202 microg h/l) with cimetidine comedication and a decrease in pseudohypericin AUC(0-24) from a median of 51.0 (16.4-102.9 microg h/l) to 36.4 microg h/l (14.0-102.0 microg h/l) with carbamazepine comedication compared to the baseline pharmacokinetics in each group. Hypericin and pseudohypericin pharmacokinetics were only marginally influenced by comedication with the enzyme inhibitors and inducers cimetidine and carbamazepine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Johne
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Center Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin, Campus charité Mitte, Schumannstr. 20/21, 10098, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang EJ, Barecki-Roach M, Johnson WW. Quantitative characterization of direct P-glycoprotein inhibition by St John's wort constituents hypericin and hyperforin. J Pharm Pharmacol 2004; 56:123-8. [PMID: 14980009 DOI: 10.1211/0022357022395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The ATP-binding cassette transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) exerts a critical role in the systemic disposition of, and exposure to, lipophilic and amphipathic drugs, carcinogens, toxins and other xenobiotics. The ability of P-gp to transfer a wide variety of structurally unrelated compounds from the cell interior across the membrane bilayer remains intriguing. Since natural product chemicals in the widely consumed St John's wort appear to exert antidepressant effects by an unknown mechanism, the constituents are frequently studied for interactions with various biomacromolecules as well as cytotoxins or isolated cells. The drug interactions caused by this widely used herbal remedy are under-appreciated. Various clinical interactions have been observed upon the co-administration of St John's wort, and P-gp and CYP3A4 have been indicted as the cause. We characterized several St John's wort constituents for their interaction with P-gp and their specific effects on the P-gp export activity of several marker substrates. Two of these constituents, hyperforin and hypericin, inhibit the active efflux of the fluorescent markers daunorubicin (IC(50) approximately 30 microM) and calcein-AM. Herein, we show in-vitro results that can both explain the competing clinical observations of initial elevated exposure of P-gp substrate drugs (P-gp inhibition) followed by under-exposure (P-gp induction) when St John's wort is co-administered, and provide a further warning against unchecked co-administration of drugs with St John's wort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Er-Jia Wang
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Lafayette, NJ 07848, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Morimoto T, Kotegawa T, Tsutsumi K, Ohtani Y, Imai H, Nakano S. Effect of St. John's wort on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 2004; 44:95-101. [PMID: 14681347 DOI: 10.1177/0091270003261496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of St. John's wort (SJW, Hypericum perforatum) on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in healthy volunteers. Twelve healthy Japanese male volunteers participated in this randomized, open-labeled, crossover study. The subjects took an SJW caplet (300 mg) three times a day for 15 days. On day 14, they received a single oral dose of 400 mg of theophylline. They took the same dose of theophylline without SJW treatment on another occasion. Plasma and urine samples were obtained during a 48-hour period after theophylline administration. Theophylline concentrations in plasma and urine, as well as the major metabolites (13U, 1U, 3X) in urine, were measured. SJW caused no significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of theophylline in plasma. SJW administration tended to increase the ratio of 1U/the total amount excreted in urine. However, no changes in the ratio of unchanged theophylline, 13U, and 3X were observed. It is unlikely that the effect of 15 days of treatment with SJW on CYPs is sufficient to cause a change in plasma theophylline concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Morimoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Oita Medical University, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Strandell J, Neil A, Carlin G. An approach to the in vitro evaluation of potential for cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition from herbals and other natural remedies. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2004; 11:98-104. [PMID: 15070158 DOI: 10.1078/0944-7113-00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Herbals and other natural remedies could affect the disposition of conventional pharmaceuticals through inhibition of human cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes. We have developed an approach to the problem of determining a critical potential for CYP enzyme inhibition by commercial herbal remedies etcetera using standardised extraction procedures in combination with commercially available human CYP enzyme 3A4, 2D6 and 2C19 inhibition assays. We present a survey of commercially available natural remedies on the local market using this approach together with a discussion on how to decide when further in vivo interaction studies may be warranted. We confirmed earlier findings on Hypericum (St. John's wort) and Echinacea purpurea activities, and report that extracts of Valeriana as well as a fish oil preparation were potent inhibitors of all tested enzymes. As a first estimate to assess the relevance of in vitro findings, we have chosen to express the inhibitory potency as the volume that the extractable inhibitory activity for a recommended human dose could be diluted into to yield a half-maximal inhibition--litres per dose unit. We propose that preparations for which this measure approaches four litres/dose unit, i.e. corresponding to the human blood volume, should be investigated further for potential enzyme interaction with pharmaceuticals.
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review preclinical and clinical evidence relating to drug interactions with preparations of the medicinal herb St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). A systematic literature search was carried out in three electronic databases up to June 2004. Information about case reports classified as St John's wort drug interactions was retrieved from the WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring and from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in June 2003. Against the background of proven efficacy in mild to moderate depressive disorders and an excellent tolerability profile in monotherapy, there is sufficient evidence from interaction studies and case reports to suggest that St John's wort may induce the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 enzyme system and the P-glycoprotein drug transporter in a clinically relevant manner, thereby reducing efficacy of co-medications. Drugs most prominently affected and contraindicated for concomitant use with St John's wort are metabolised via both CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein pathways, including HIV protease inhibitors, HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (only CYP3A4), the immunosuppressants ciclosporin and tacrolimus, and the antineoplastic agents irinotecan and imatinib mesylate. Efficacy of hormonal contraceptives may be impaired as reflected by case reports of irregular bleedings and unwanted pregnancies. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index should be monitored more closely when St John's wort is added, discontinued or the dosage is changed. The St John's wort constituent hyperforin is probably responsible for CYP3A4 induction via activation of a nuclear steroid/pregnane and xenobiotic receptor (SXR/PXR) and hypericin may be assumed to be the P-glycoprotein inducing compound, although the available evidence is less convincing. Combinations of St John's wort with serotonergic agents and other antidepressants should be restricted to prescription-only, by experienced clinicians, due to potential central pharmacodynamic interactions. In conclusion, providing certain precautions and contraindications are followed, and adequate information is given to healthcare professionals and patients, the safe and effective use of quality-tested St John's wort products can be ensured.
Collapse
|
44
|
Buckley NA, Faunce TA. 'Atypical' antidepressants in overdose: clinical considerations with respect to safety. Drug Saf 2003; 26:539-51. [PMID: 12825968 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200326080-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The 'atypical' antidepressants comprise a heterogenous class with wide variation in presentation and management during overdose, both when compared with each other and with more traditional agents.Further toxico-epidemiological data are required to make definitive predictions about the clinical effects of most of these agents in overdose. Here, however, we review the available information in a manner intended to benefit both prescribers and clinical toxicologists. Our conclusion is that there can be no generic response by medical practitioners as to the 'safety' of these new antidepressants. Though undoubtedly exhibiting fewer problems in specific areas than some of the older classes of agents (e.g. arrhythmias with tricyclic antidepressants) each nonetheless presents unique safety problems. We experienced great difficulty obtaining accurate information from the manufacturers about the animal toxicity data upon which their recommended human dose limits were set. This highlights the uncertainties involved with too readily making 'safety' claims about these agents. The decision to prescribe 'atypical' antidepressant medications alleged to be both efficacious and safe in overdose involves a medicolegal tension. This tension is between respecting patient autonomy through frank communication of the material risk of overdose and non-disclosure to avoid such harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Buckley
- Department of Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, The Canberra Hospital, Woden, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hostanska K, Reichling J, Bommer S, Weber M, Saller R. Hyperforin a constituent of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) extract induces apoptosis by triggering activation of caspases and with hypericin synergistically exerts cytotoxicity towards human malignant cell lines. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2003; 56:121-32. [PMID: 12837490 DOI: 10.1016/s0939-6411(03)00046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperforin (HP) is an abundant component of St John's wort with antibiotic and antidepressive activity. We report here the ability of HP and that of polyphenolic procyanidin B2 (PB-2) to inhibit the growth of leukemia K562 and U937 cells, brain glioblastoma cells LN229 and normal human astrocytes. HP inhibited the growth of cells in vitro with GI(50) values between 14.9 and 19.9 microM. The growth inhibitory effect of PB-2 was more pronounced in leukemia cell lines K562 and U937, the GI(50) concentrations being about 12.5 microM established after 48 h incubation differed significantly (P<0.05) from those of LN229 and normal human astrocytes (103.1 and 96.7 microM), respectively. Further, HP and hypericin (HY) (a naphthodianthrone from St John's wort) acted synergistically in their inhibitory effect on leukemic (K562, U937) cell growth. Cell death occurred after 24 h treatment with HP and PB-2 by apoptosis. A dose-dependent loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry associated with apoptosis was induced in all cell lines as evidenced by the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and morphological changes in cell size and granulosity by scatter characteristics. In leukemia U937 cells, HP increased the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and in K562 cells caspase-8 and caspase-3. In addition, the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk inhibited both the appearance of PS exposure and the activation of caspases, illustrating the functional relevance of caspase activation during HP-induced apoptosis. Cytocidal effects of HP and its cooperation with HY on tumor growth inhibition in a synergistic manner make the St John's wort an interesting option in cancer warranting further in vitro and in vivo investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Hostanska
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hammerness P, Basch E, Ulbricht C, Barrette EP, Foppa I, Basch S, Bent S, Boon H, Ernst E. St John's wort: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions for the consultation psychiatrist. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2003; 44:271-82. [PMID: 12832592 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psy.44.4.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
St. John's wort is an herb commonly used in Europe for decades and more recently the topic of scientific investigation in this country. St. John's wort has been found more effective than placebo and equally as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in the short-term management of mild-to-moderate depression. Comparisons to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have provided equivocal data. While it is generally well tolerated in clinical use, there is accumulating evidence of significant interactions with drugs. This evidence-based presentation of the literature includes a brief description of pharmacodynamics and clinical applications, followed by a systematic review of adverse effects, toxicity, and drug interactions.
Collapse
|
47
|
Piperopoulos G, Kiehne A, Ingendoh A, Zeller KP. [Methyl-D3]2hypericin as internal standard for quantification in human plasma. Anal Bioanal Chem 2003; 375:744-50. [PMID: 12664172 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-003-1780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2002] [Revised: 12/13/2002] [Accepted: 01/08/2003] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The multistep synthesis and negative ion-ESI fragmentation pattern of [methyl-D(3)](2)hypericin (1-D(6)) is described. The application of 1-d(6) as internal standard for the quantification of hypericin (1) in the ng mL(-1) range in human plasma by isotope-dilution LC-MS is demonstrated. The hypericin-containing plasma samples are spiked with 1-D(6), deproteinized and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts are injected into a HPLC-ESI-ion-trap system and the mass-separated negative ions from 1 and 1-D(6) are analysed. From their intensities linear standard curves over the concentration range from 1 to 10 ng mL(-1) are obtained. Accuracy, precision and recovery are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Piperopoulos
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Eberhard-Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Schempp CM, Winghofer B, Müller K, Schulte-Mönting J, Mannel M, Schöpf E, Simon JC. Effect of oral administration ofHypericum perforatum extract (St. John's Wort) on skin erythema and pigmentation induced by UVB, UVA, visible light and solar simulated radiation. Phytother Res 2003; 17:141-6. [PMID: 12601676 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypericin from St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a photosensitizing agent that may cause a severe photodermatitis when higher amounts of St John's wort are ingested by animals. Although Hypericum extracts are widely used in the treatment of depressive disorders, only a little information on the photosensitizing capacity of St John's wort in humans is available. In the present prospective randomized study we investigated the effect of the Hypericum extract LI 160 on skin sensitivity to ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), visible light (VIS) and solar simulated radiation (SIM). Seventy two volunteers of skin types II and III were included and were divided into six groups, each consisting of 12 volunteers. In the single-dose study the volunteers (n = 48) received 6 or 12 coated tablets (5400 or 10 800 microgram hypericin). In the steady-state study the volunteers (n = 24) received an initial dose of 6 tablets (5400 microgram hypericin), and subsequently 3 x 1 tablets (2700 microgram hypericin) per day for 7 days. Phototesting was performed on the volar forearms prior to medication and 6 h after the last administration of Hypericum extract. The erythema-index and melanin-index were evaluated photometrically using a mexameter. After both single-dose and steady-state administration, no significant influence on the erythema-index or melanin-index could be detected, with the exception of a marginal influence on UVB induced pigmentation (p = 0.0471) in the single-dose study. The results do not provide evidence for a phototoxic potential of the Hypericum extract LI 160 in humans when administered orally in typical clinical doses up to 1800 mg daily. This is in accordance with previous pharmacokinetic studies that found hypericin serum and skin levels after oral ingestion of Hypericum extract always to be lower than the assumed phototoxic hypericin threshold level of 1000 ng/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph M Schempp
- Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Hauptstr. 7, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bauer S, Störmer E, Johne A, Krüger H, Budde K, Neumayer HH, Roots I, Mai I. Alterations in cyclosporin A pharmacokinetics and metabolism during treatment with St John's wort in renal transplant patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2003; 55:203-11. [PMID: 12580993 PMCID: PMC1894728 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01759.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the effects of St John's wort extract (SJW) on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (CSA). METHODS In an open-label study, 11 renal transplant patients received 600 mg SJW extract daily for 14 days in addition to their regular regimen of CSA. Blood concentrations of CSA and its metabolites AM1, AM1C, AM9, AM19, and AM4N were measured by HPLC. RESULTS After 2 weeks of SJW coadministration, dose-corrected AUC0-12, Cmax and Ctrough values for CSA decreased significantly by 46%[geometric mean ratio baseline/SJW (95% CI): 1.83 (1.63-2.05)], 42%[1.72 (1.42-2.08)], and 41%[1.70 (1.17-2.47)], respectively. CSA doses were increased from a median of 2.7 mg day(-1) kg(-1) at baseline to 4.2 mg day(-1) kg(-1) at day 15, with the first dose adjustment required only 3 days after initiation of SJW treatment. Additionally, the metabolite pattern of CSA was substantially altered during SJW treatment. Whereas dose-corrected AUC values for AM1, AM1c and AM4N significantly decreased by 59%, 61%, and 23% compared with baseline, AUC values for AM9 and AM19 were unchanged. Following the increase in CSA dose, observed AUC and Cmax values for AM9, AM19, and AM4N increased by 20-51% and 43-90%, respectively. CONCLUSION Administration of SJW extract to patients receiving CSA treatment resulted in a rapid and significant reduction of plasma CSA concentrations. Additionally, the substantial alterations in CSA metabolite kinetics observed may affect the toxicity profile of the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Bauer
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Medical Centre Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Loew D, Kaszkin M. Approaching the problem of bioequivalence of herbal medicinal products. Phytother Res 2002; 16:705-11. [PMID: 12458470 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Herbal medicinal products (HMP) contain exclusively herbal drugs or herbal drug preparations (HDP) and are a complex mixture of different compounds, which may act in an agonistic, synergistic, complementary, antagonistic or toxic way. A specific scientific challenge is for methods to prone the bioequivalence of herbal drug preparations (HDP). Depending on the type of herbal drug preparations, different approaches are possible. If the constituents responsible for therapeutic activity are known, the concept of essential similarity used with chemically defined substances can be fully applied. For extracts with unknown active markers, data on defined chemical constituents are useful for control purposes (charge conformity), but not sufficient to prove bioequivalence. In this case bioassays or pharmacological studies, which measure therapeutically relevant activity, should be used. A phytogeneric is only comparable to the innovator preparation under the following conditions: (i) pharmaceutical equivalence (standardization), (ii) biopharmaceutical equivalence (in vitro dissolution), (iii) bioequivalence with different endpoints (in vitro model, animal model) or (iv) clinical study. An uncritical substitution of herbal drug preparations without considering these scientific criteria should be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Loew
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Klinikum der J. W. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7,60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|