Hypericum compound

Hypericum compound H8 (prenylated xanthone) Hypericum roeperanum (Hypericaceae) ACE (104) (NEP) [77]... 

Several natural products have been evaluated in rodent models of nicotine withdrawal. An extract of Hypericum perforatum (St. John s Wort, a putative antidepressant, and inhibitor of serotonin reuptake) reversed somatically expressed withdrawal behaviors and locomotor depression in spontaneous withdrawal (Catania et al. 2003). A benzoflavone compound isolated from Passiflora incarnata, interfered with the induction of physical dependence. Coadministration with chronic nicotine prevented various subsequent indicators of withdrawal syndrome in the mouse, including jumping, locomotor inactivity, immobility in the swim test and naloxone-precipitated escape jumping (Dhawan et al. 2002). 

It is not possible to discuss pharmacokinetics when the active compound or compounds of St. John s wort are not known. The half-life of hypericin and hyperforin have been estimated at between 6 and 9 hours, with peak plasma concentrations at about 2-3 hours after administration. Some of the ingredients of Hypericum extracts are metabolized in the liver. 

Jurgenliernk, G. and Nahrstedt, A., Phenolic compounds from Hypericum perfoliatum, Planta Med., 68, 88, 2002. 

This herbal product has the most data available to support its usefulness as an antidepressant. Nevertheless, only minimal information is available about its pharmacology and its relative risk-benefit ratio. At least seven different biologically active chemicals have been isolated from crude extracts of hypericum. Several are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. The exceptions are hypericin and pseudohypericin, which have been assumed to be responsible for any antidepressant activity of this product. Nevertheless, there is the potential for one or more of these seven compounds and their metabolites to mediate desired or undesired effects, particularly when used in combination with other medications (i.e., herb-drug interactions). 

Jurgenliemk G, Nahrstedt A. Dissolution, solubility and cooperativity of phenolic compounds from Hypericum perforatum L. in aqueous systems. Pharmazie 2003 58 200-203. 

Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae), commonly known as SJW, is used in many countries for the treatment of mild-to-moderate forms of depression. Several clinical studies provide evidence that SJW is as effective as conventional synthetic antidepressants (46-51). From a phytochemical point of view, H. perforatum belongs to one of the best-investigated medicinal plants. A series of bioactive compounds have been detected in the crude material, namely phenylpropanes, flavonol derivatives, biflavones, proanthocyani-dins, xanthones, phloroglucinols, some amino acids, naphthodianthrones, and essential oil constituents (Fig. 3) (52-54). 

The pharmacological activity of SJW extracts has recently been reviewed (55-58). Recent reports have shown that the antidepressant activity of Hypericum extracts can be attributed to the phloroglucinol derivative hyperforin (59-62), to the naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin (18,63-65), and to several flavonoids (66-69). The role and the mechanisms of action of these different compounds are still a matter of debate. But, taking these previous findings together, it is likely that several constituents are responsible for the clinically observed antidepressant efficacy of SJW. 

Table 2 Data of Hypericum perforatum (SJW) Extracts and Pure Compounds in Animals and Humans After Oral Administration...

St. John s wort, also known as hypericum, contains a variety of constituents that might contribute to its claimed pharmacologic activity in the treatment of depression. Hypericin, a marker of standardization for currently marketed products, was thought to be the primary antidepressant constituent. Recent attention has focused on hyperforin, but a combination of several compounds is probably involved. Commercial formulations are usually prepared by soaking the dried chopped flowers in methanol to create a hydroalcoholic extract that is then dried. 

The herb St. John s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has a number of constituent parts, including hyperforin, which is currently being studied as the responsible constituent for the antidepressant action. The herb contains at least ten compounds that can have an unpredictable effect on the consumer. 

Several species of plant also contain compounds that have been shown to act as agonists on benzodiazepine receptors. These include Valeriana officinalis which contains hydroxypinoresinol, Matricaria recutita which contains 5,7,4 -trihydroxyflavone, Passiflora coeruleus which contains chrysin and Karmelitter Geist which contains amentoflavin. Hypericum perforatum (St John s Wort) also contains unknown compounds which have affinity for... 

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