Background and Objective: Hypericum perforatum L. (HP) is a popular herbal medicine with different pharmacological effects. This study investigated the possible cholinergic receptor affinities of HP extract and its three active constituents: hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin. Materials and Methods: Radioactive compounds [3H]-N-methyl scopolamine used for muscarinic receptor binding studies in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human muscarinic receptor subtypes and [3H]-cytisine used for nicotinic receptor binding tests performed with mouse brains without a cerebellum. Muscarinic binding inhibition was observed with HP extract considerably for hM2 and hM5. Results: Hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin showed a much lower affinity for muscarinic receptors at higher concentrations. The HP extract and its constituents did not produce any nicotinic receptor binding inhibition. Conclusion: These results suggested that post-junctional direct muscarinic receptor interaction may modulate some effects of HP extract and its constituents however different mechanisms apart from direct cholinergic receptor interaction might be considered for the pharmacological actions of hyperforin, hypericin and pseudohypericin.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.