The use of St John's Wort in the treatment of depression

Maidment, Ian

doi:10.1192/pb.24.6.232

Cited by 8 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort) is a herbaceous perennial species widely distributed in the northern temperate zone. It is used for the treatment of depression (Stevinson & Ernst, 1999;Maidment, 2000). Hypericin and its derivatives are indicated to be the major bioactive compounds of H. perforatum.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against hypericin synthase and localization of the enzyme in red-pigmented Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets.

Qian¹,

Wu²,

Yao³

et al. 2012

Acta Biochim Pol

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Hypericum perforatum is well known for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities, for which hypericin and its derivatives are indicated to be the most active compounds. Hypericin synthase (Hyp-1) is the only protein proven to catalyze the synthesis of hypericin. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Hyp-1 was chemically synthesized according to the Hyp-1 sequence in Gen-Bank (accession no. AY148090) and then cloned into the plasmid pET22b. Hyp-1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified with a Ni-NTA column. The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits, from which an antiserum was purified by protein G affinity chromatography. The polyclonal antibody against Hyp-1 provides a valuable tool for the study of hypericin biosynthesis in H. perforatum. Expression of Hyp-1 and the cellular distribution of hypericin were analyzed in different organs of red-pigmented H. perforatum plantlets. The black glands were not the only site of hypericin accumulation and the results indicated that hypericin might be synthesized in mesophyll cells or in tissues of the root and/or stem and then transported to the glands. This work provides a foundation for further investigation of the regulatory mechanism of hypericin synthesis during the development of H. perforatum.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against hypericin synthase and localization of the enzyme in red-pigmented Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets.

Qian¹,

Wu²,

Yao³

et al. 2012

Acta Biochim Pol

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“…On all of these measures, Hypericum extract was statistically indistinguishable from imipramine. Several other smaller trials published since the 1996 meta-analysis (reviewed by Maidment 59 ) reached a similar conclusion. Because this trial compared a relatively high dose of Hypericum extract with a relatively low dose of imipramine (selected to be a therapeutic dose that would minimize the side effect profile), it is unclear to what extent Hypericum extract would be comparable to typically employed doses of traditional tricyclic antidepressants.…”

Section: Evaluation Of Efficacymentioning

confidence: 57%

“…Not included in the meta-analysis or in the review of the literature 55,56 were 2 large-scale multisite, doubleblind, randomized controlled trials of St. John's wort that have since been completed 57,58 and several smaller trials reviewed by Maidment. 59 The first large-scale study 57 patients to receive either 1050 mg of Hypericum extract, 100 mg of imipramine, or placebo. Hypericum extract was found to be superior to placebo after 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment, producing a larger reduction of depressive symptoms as assessed by the HAM-D and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, and greater reductions in anxiety as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety.…”

Section: Evaluation Of Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternative Treatments for Depression

Manber¹,

Allen²,

Morris³

2002

J. Clin. Psychiatry

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Background: This article is a critical review of the efficacy of selected alternative treatments for unipolar depression including exercise, stress management techniques, acupuncture, St. John's wort, bright light, and sleep deprivation. Issues related to women across the life span, including pregnancy and lactation, are highlighted. Data Sources: Evidence of efficacy is based on randomized controlled trials. A distinction is made between studies that address depressive symptoms and studies that address depressive disorders. The review emphasizes issues related to effectiveness, such as treatment availability, acceptability, safety, and cost and issues relevant to women. Data Synthesis: Exercise, stress reduction methods, bright light exposure, and sleep deprivation hold greater promise as adjuncts to conventional treatment than as monotherapies for major depression. The evidence to date is not sufficiently compelling to suggest the use of St. John's wort in favor of or as an alternative to existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration-regulated compounds. Initial evidence suggests that acupuncture might be an effective alternative monotherapy for major depression, single episode. Conclusion: This review indicates that some unconventional treatments hold promise as alternative or complementary treatments for unipolar depression in women and have the potential to contribute to its long-term management. Additional research is needed before further recommendations can be made, and there is an urgent need to carefully document and report the frequency of minor and major side effects.

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“…2 To date this is the largest and best trial of St John's wort in depression and uses identical methodology to most antidepressant trials. Although the study does not mention the average dose of imipramine attained, they aimed to reach 150 mg/day.…”

Section: Commentarymentioning

confidence: 99%

Hypericum extract was as effective as imipramine but had fewer adverse effects in mild to moderate depression

Hotopf

2001

Evidence-Based Mental Health

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The use of St John's Wort in the treatment of depression

Cited by 8 publications

References 21 publications

Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against hypericin synthase and localization of the enzyme in red-pigmented Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets.

Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against hypericin synthase and localization of the enzyme in red-pigmented Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets.

Alternative Treatments for Depression

Hypericum extract was as effective as imipramine but had fewer adverse effects in mild to moderate depression

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