Pharmacodynamics St. John’s Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, contains multiple substances that produce medicinal effects within the body. The two most active components are hyperforin and hypericin, which produce therapeutic benefits (Russo et al., 2014). Hyperforin and hypericin have been found to impact neurotransmitter activity, specifically by decreasing neurotransmitter reuptake, resulting in mood stabilization and analgesia (Russo et al., 2014). In addition to its neurologic effects, St. John’s Wort has been shown to offer anti- inflammatory benefits through immune response regulation and anti-infective qualities resulting from impairment of bacterial and viral growth (Wolfle, Seelinger, & Schempp, 2014). Additionally, St John’s Wort provides therapeutic benefits through antioxidative and liver protective properties (Okmen & Balpinar, 2017). The overall effectiveness of St. John’s Wort in clinical use is variable. Although there are benefits when used in treating depression, there is inconsistent individual treatment response. …show more content…
John’s Wort stimulates activity of CYP isoenzymes, specifically CYP 3A4, CYP2E1, and CYP2C19 (Russo et al., 2014) as well as CYP1A2, CYP2C19 (Saper, 2014). With increased production, there is amplified metabolism of certain medications that require the identified CYP isoenzymes. The result is decreased efficacy of the affected medications. There is also increased production of P-glycoprotein with St. John’s Wort, which causes decreased absorption in the small intestine and kidneys, leading to enhanced renal excretion (Russo et al, 2014). Factors affecting the degrees of CYP and P-glycoprotein stimulation include ethnicity and hyperforin levels, which can vary among supplements (Russo et al., 2014). Use of St. John’s Wort is contraindicated in conjunction with medications that involve the specified CYP isoenzymes. Examples of these medications include warfarin, digoxin, and theophylline (Russo et al.,
History of St. John's Wort St. John’s Wort has been in use for about 2400 years and has been utilized for many different purposes throughout history. Some of these less modern uses have been nerve tonic, painkiller, including effectiveness for relieving arthritis pain and menstrual cramping, and relief for gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and more serious problems like ulcers. Now it is becoming more common as a remedy for depression and anxiety but is simultaneously being tested as a possible type of assistance for AIDS patients because it appears to help the immune system combat viruses.
This paper discusses pharmacology and terminology related to “Pharmacology” which is the branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs“ pharmacology. 2015. In Merriam-Webster.com. The study of different classes of drugs, routes of absorption, and drugs have effects on those consuming them. There are drugs that are necessary for illnesses and healing but, there are medicines that cause concern regarding interaction and harming the body.
Rupke, S., Blecke, D., & Renfrow, M. (2006, January 1). Cognitive therapy for depression. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved March 10, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16417069?dopt=Abstract
...ohol, John M. Psy. D. “Depression Treatment: Psychotherapy, Medication or Both?” Psych Central. N.p. (2008). Web. 17 Nov. 2013
Antidepressant are a form of pharmacotherapy treatment developed to treat the symptoms of major depression. Antidepressants are used for many other types of conditions including anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, dysthymia, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and substance abuse, pain syndromes, gastrointestional disorders. Antidepressants usually require several weeks to notice significant effects. There are no antidepressants or any medication that is completely free of adverse effects. This article explains that the adverse effects of antidepressant can decrease compliance and slow down the rate of recovery. It is important for one to take note of potential side-effects before choosing the best antidepressant to suit their personalized needs. Statistics show that about 28 percent of patients sto...
Herbal remedies have been used throughout the world for thousands of years and recently their use has become popularized in America. People tend to view herbal remedies as being safer then prescription drugs because they are believed not to contain chemicals or cause side effects. St. John’s Wort is an herbal remedy, which prevents the destruction of seratonin, a natural anti-depressant, is often used to treat depression. Due to the increasing interest it St John’s wort, as well as in other herbal remedies, there has been a great deal of research done recently in the effectiveness and safety of this herb in regards to depression.
If the placebo effect is used on common conditions that are associated with the over the counter drugs, people will most likely stop damaging their livers just because they have a headache, fever, feeling sore, and even as pain relievers. There has been a study on cough medicines being related to the placebo effect. “The major benefit of cough medicines for treatment of cough associated with common cold is related to the placebo effect rather than the pharmacological effect of an active ingredient” (Freeman). The researches have finally concluded that, “the idea is developed that a sweet taste may modulate cough at the level of the nucleus tractus solitaries, possibly by influencing the production of endogenous opioids.” In this study it is shown that the medicines effectiveness for the cough was around the same effectiveness as the ones with the placebo effect. Some key factors that help the results of the placebo effect become effective in this study are “the healer-patient interaction, cultural beliefs about traditional treatments, the environment in which the medicine is administered, the properties of the medicine such as taste, color and smell, advertising and claims made about the efficacy of the medicine, the brand name of the medicine,
http://drkaplan.co.uk/2012/01/homeopathy/antidepressants-evidence-and-our-%E2%80%98brave-new-world%E2%80%99. Smith, Nicole. A.
Approximately 5% of the United States' population experiences a depressive episode that requires psychopharmacological treatment; in any one year, 10-12 million Americans are affected by depression, with the condition twice as common in females than in males. It has been estimated that 15% of patients hospitalized for depression will commit suicide. These figures are incredible, so finding the root of the problem when it comes to depression is extremely important. "Alterations in serotonin metabolism may be an important factor in the etiology and treatment of depression." (7).
Prunella Vulgaris is flavinoid rich, an anti-inflammatory, high in tannins, and used in many existing herpes treatments. Tea Tree Oil is also an anti-viral, though it has no effect on the herpes virus after it has penetrated the cell and can be irritating to mucous membranes. St. John’s Wort is a very old traditional treatment studied since the early 90’s with no definitive effect on the herpes virus. St John’s Wort also interacts with numerous drugs, including oral contraceptives, serotonin reuptake inhibitors and triptans (migrane medications). Aloe Vera has anti-viral qualities and helps soothe and speed healing of existing lesions. Geranium Maculatum was an addition to the ingredients that puzzled us, as this is an herbal remedy that was used in the 1800’s primarily to treat diarrhea, and has no known effect or benefit to treat herpes. Geranium Maculatum is also high in
Introduction: For my research project I would like to explore the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs. Antidepressant drugs are used are used to treat major depression and other conditions, some of which include anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain and other disorders. Around the world antidepressants are used to cure these types of mental illnesses. It is argued by both medical professionals and other people whether or not they believe that antidepressants work. According to Mayo Clinic one in ten Americans take an antidepressant. Today, antidepressants have became the most common way around the world to treat major depression
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The cause of Clinical depression has long been a mystery to physicians and researchers. Many different theories have been proposed, but no conclusive evidence has been put forth. However, most of what we know about depression stems from the results of certain drugs which have been successful in treating the clinically depressed. These anti--depressants have led to the assumption that depression is most likely due to a chemical imbalance (of neurotransmitters) which somehow leads to the symptoms of depression. To try and write a paper on all the theories of depression would be endless, as would be a study on all the different types of anti-depressants. Therefore I have tried to focus my paper on the serotonin hypothesis for depression, and more specifically how the serotonergic anti-depressants have backed up this theory. Of course, Any paper on serotonin-based anti-depressants must include the popular Prozac. Because of the excitement And controversy surrounding Prozac, I decided to channel most of my paper into the action of this so-called "wonder drug".
Frequently a person believes that herbal medicine is more naturally safe and soothing than drugs. Nevertheless, there’s no reasonable defense about this. Though many consumers trusted herbal medicine much more than the synthetic medicine because it’s safe and effective, but like anything else, it has its own limitations too. There are several hostile issues related to herbal medicine that has been quite alarming. Notwithstanding, majority of the most popular herbs are at least nearly safe.