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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnB on August 13, 2000, at 15:38:32
This was a German study published recently in Neuropsychopharmacology.
"Extracts of St. John's Wort are widely used for the treatment of depressive disorders. The active principles have not yet been finally elucidated. We have recently shown that hyperforin, a major active constituent of St. John's Wort, not only inhibits the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, but also that of L-glutamate and GABA."
Neuropsychopharmacology, Vol. 23 (2) (2000) pp. 188-197
© 2000 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.http://www.elsevier.nl/gej-ng/10/33/33/36/25/30/article.html
Posted by Kath on August 14, 2000, at 10:53:55
In reply to FWIW Dept. - SJW Study, posted by JohnB on August 13, 2000, at 15:38:32
Thx John for this info. It's way too technical for me, but I think I get the gist of it.
My 24 yr old daughter is interested in taking SJW but is afraid of sensitization to the sun, which we've both read is a side effect of SJW. She gets sick when out in the sun. It's been improving the last 2 summers, but she's nervous about using SJW because of this.
Any input, anyone?
Thx Kath
> This was a German study published recently in Neuropsychopharmacology.
>
> "Extracts of St. John's Wort are widely used for the treatment of depressive disorders. The active principles have not yet been finally elucidated. We have recently shown that hyperforin, a major active constituent of St. John's Wort, not only inhibits the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, but also that of L-glutamate and GABA."
>
> Neuropsychopharmacology, Vol. 23 (2) (2000) pp. 188-197
> © 2000 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.
>
> http://www.elsevier.nl/gej-ng/10/33/33/36/25/30/article.html
Posted by Cam W. on August 14, 2000, at 20:19:17
In reply to StJohn'sWort Sun Sensitization Cam?Anyone? » JohnB, posted by Kath on August 14, 2000, at 10:53:55
Kath - The photosensitivity caused by SJW is a reality. Many psychoactive drugs do cause sun-sensitivty. Your daughter will have to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) &/or light, loose-fitting cotton clothes that cover most of the body. Also, adequate hydration, drinking a lot of cool fluids, is important, as sweating naturally cools the body. A hat with a wide brim can also shield her from the sun and this may alleviate the sickness she feels. Also, she can avoid being in the sun during the hottest times of the day (early afternoon). Photosensitivity is annoying, but it is not usually a life threatening situation.
Her feeling sick in the sun is probably as result of overheating. The above suggestions should help with this. Unfortunately, she will not be able to be a sun worshipper.
I hope this helps some - Cam
Posted by Kath on August 15, 2000, at 8:37:49
In reply to Re: StJohn'sWort Sun Sensitization Cam?Anyone? » Kath, posted by Cam W. on August 14, 2000, at 20:19:17
Hi Cam - Thanks; I'll relay the info. Good point about hydration & the body's natural cooling system. I never thought of it in that way. She does follow some of your suggestions, but I'll re-mention them & I don't think she does the clothing thing.
I truly appreciate your helping, caring attitude. You're amazing.
Hugs, Kath
> Kath - The photosensitivity caused by SJW is a reality. Many psychoactive drugs do cause sun-sensitivty. Your daughter will have to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) &/or light, loose-fitting cotton clothes that cover most of the body. Also, adequate hydration, drinking a lot of cool fluids, is important, as sweating naturally cools the body. A hat with a wide brim can also shield her from the sun and this may alleviate the sickness she feels. Also, she can avoid being in the sun during the hottest times of the day (early afternoon). Photosensitivity is annoying, but it is not usually a life threatening situation.
>
> Her feeling sick in the sun is probably as result of overheating. The above suggestions should help with this. Unfortunately, she will not be able to be a sun worshipper.
>
> I hope this helps some - Cam
Posted by JohnL on August 16, 2000, at 4:27:54
In reply to Re: StJohn'sWort Sun Sensitization Cam?Anyone? » Cam W., posted by Kath on August 15, 2000, at 8:37:49
I do not remember where I saw it all, but in several places I stumbled onto research articles concerning SJW and photosensitivity. Apparently it is usually only a concern in one of two cases:
1. Huge doses
2. Certain ethnic groups or skin types already sensitive to the sun (red-haired freckled for example).
But in most cases, the amount of SJW needed to cause a real photosensitivity problem is more than could be consumed in normal dose ranges. But of course, since some people are sensitive anyway, the manufacturers have no choice but to place a warning to be safe.
Cows in the pasture have been known to become sunburned while feeding on wild SJW. In those cases, their entire diets had been mostly wild SJW. The amounts they consumed were far more than we could possibly consume.
Personally I've used SJW up to 2700mg a day (9 pills a day). I am light brown haired and fair skinned, yet had no increased tendency to sunburn.
But of course, even if just one person out of a hundred has a particular side effect, it is worth noting. Besides, protecting the skin in the sun is a wise move anyway, with or without SJW.
John
Posted by Kath on August 16, 2000, at 9:53:26
In reply to Re: StJohn'sWort Sun Sensitization , posted by JohnL on August 16, 2000, at 4:27:54
Hi John - Thx for this info...that's amazing about the cows!
Unfortunately, my daughter IS red-haired, pale skin & already somewhat sensitive to the sun....
Oh well.Take care, Kath
> I do not remember where I saw it all, but in several places I stumbled onto research articles concerning SJW and photosensitivity. Apparently it is usually only a concern in one of two cases:
> 1. Huge doses
> 2. Certain ethnic groups or skin types already sensitive to the sun (red-haired freckled for example).
> But in most cases, the amount of SJW needed to cause a real photosensitivity problem is more than could be consumed in normal dose ranges. But of course, since some people are sensitive anyway, the manufacturers have no choice but to place a warning to be safe.
> Cows in the pasture have been known to become sunburned while feeding on wild SJW. In those cases, their entire diets had been mostly wild SJW. The amounts they consumed were far more than we could possibly consume.
> Personally I've used SJW up to 2700mg a day (9 pills a day). I am light brown haired and fair skinned, yet had no increased tendency to sunburn.
> But of course, even if just one person out of a hundred has a particular side effect, it is worth noting. Besides, protecting the skin in the sun is a wise move anyway, with or without SJW.
> John
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