Posted by Larry Hoover on February 14, 2005, at 11:46:06
In reply to neurotransmitter question, posted by Spriggy on February 4, 2005, at 21:23:20
> Can I get a definte answer as to what neurotransmitter SJW targets?
>
> I've heard only seratonin. Then I've heard dopamamine and seratonin. Then I've read it mildly hits all three.It does more than hit the big three. It is a non-selective inhibitor of all neurotransmitter reuptake pumps, acting at a structural element that they all share. It inhibits reuptake of GABA, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and very likely, others. Those others include binding to the NPY and sigma receptor complexes, indicating anxiolytic activity. What is not usually considered, though, is it also matters just how the active ingredients in a commercial SJW product have been concentrated. Different solvents will enhance different properties of the finished product. Barbaracat indicates as much in her revelation that a blend of two products provided the optimal treatment for her own symptoms.
CNS Drug Rev. 2004 Fall;10(3):203-18.
Role of hyperforin in the pharmacological activities of St. John's Wort.
Zanoli P.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Moderna Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena, Italy. zanoli.paola@unimore.it.
The phloroglucinol derivative hyperforin has been recently shown to be a major antidepressant component in the extract of Hypericum perforatum. Experimental studies clearly demonstrated its activity in different behavioral models of depression. Moreover clinical studies linked the therapeutic efficacy of Hypericum extracts to their hyperforin content, in a dose-dependent manner. The molecular mechanism of action of hyperforin is still under investigation. Hyperforin has been shown to inhibit, like conventional antidepressants, the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. However, hyperforin inhibits also the uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-glutamate. The uptake inhibition by hyperforin does not involve specific binding sites at the transporter molecules; its mechanism of action seems to be related to sodium conductive pathways, leading to an elevation in intracellular Na(+) concentration. Other additional mechanisms of action of hyperforin, involving ionic conductances as well synaptosomal and vesicular function, have been suggested. In addition to its antidepressant activity, hyperforin has many other pharmacological effects in vivo (anxiolytic-like, cognition-enhancing effects) and in vitro (antioxidant, anticyclooxygenase-1, and anticarcinogenic effects). These effects could be of clinical importance. On the other hand, the role of hyperforin in the pharmacological interactions occurring during Hypericum extract therapy must be fully investigated. Hyperforin seems to be responsible for the induction of liver cytochrome oxidase enzymes and intestinal P-glycoprotein. Several pharmacokinetic studies performed in rats and humans demonstrated oral bioavailability of hyperforin from Hypericum extract. Only recently a new chromatographic method for detection of hyperforin in the brain tissue has been developed and validated. Taking into account the chemical instability of hyperforin, current efforts are directed to the synthesis of new neuroactive derivatives.
> Also what about Sam-E??SAMe works by an entirely different mechanism, promoting single-carbon (methylation) reactions. It's a very expensive intervention, as it is biochemically unstable and subject to degradation in storage. I'd suggest you try a supplement of TMG (trimethylglycine) first, as it promotes your own natural SAMe production, at a much lower cost.
> Thanks in advance. You guys are the smartest folks on the web! ROFL
Well, maybe. ;-)
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:453442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050131/msgs/457604.html