NROSCI 0081 Lecture Notes - Lecture 33: Hypericum Perforatum, Serotonin Receptor Agonist, Hypericin
Document Summary
Multiple herbs have been used to treat neurological disorders throughout human history. St. john"s wort (hypericum perforatum: several active ingredients psychoactive drug. Growing evidence that it may be beneficial for some forms of mild-to-moderate depression. No convincing effects on severe depression: effects. Catecholamine and serotonin reuptake inhibition, gaba antagonist, catecholamine metabolism inhibition. No one effect seems to dominate, thus antidepressant effects may result from the combination of active ingredients: interactions. St. john"s wort may interact with effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmacokinetic interactions: can induce as well as inhibit liver enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and other chemicals: oral contraceptives, benzodiazepines. Pharmacodynamic interactions: if used in combination with other drugs elevating serotonin, may lead to serotonin syndrome : antidepressants & serotonin agonists, opioids. Melatonin: animal neurohormone, also found in plants and some fruits. Bananas, cherries, oranges, pineapple, grapes, coffee, tea, cereals, herbs: uses. Taken orally as a sleep aid for sleep disorders, jet lag: effects.
