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Salm S, Rutz J, van den Akker M, Blaheta RA, Bachmeier BE. Current state of research on the clinical benefits of herbal medicines for non-life-threatening ailments. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1234701. [PMID: 37841934 PMCID: PMC10569491 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1234701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicines are becoming increasingly popular among patients because they are well tolerated and do not exert severe side effects. Nevertheless, they receive little consideration in therapeutic settings. The present article reviews the current state of research on the clinical benefits of herbal medicines on five indication groups, psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary and upper respiratory tract infections. The study search was based on the database PubMed and concentrated on herbal medicines legally approved in Europe. After applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 141 articles were selected: 59 for psychosomatic disorders (100% randomized controlled trials; RCTs), 20 for gynecological complaints (56% RCTs), 19 for gastrointestinal disorders (68% RCTs), 16 for urinary tract infections (UTI, 63% RCTs) and 24 for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (79% RCTs). For the majority of the studies, therapeutic benefits were evaluated by patient reported outcome measures (PROs). For psychosomatic disorders, gynecological complaints and URTI more than 80% of the study outcomes were positive, whereas the clinical benefit of herbal medicines for the treatment of UTI and gastrointestinal disorders was lower with 55%. The critical appraisal of the articles shows that there is a lack of high-quality studies and, with regard to gastrointestinal disorders, the clinical benefits of herbal medicines as a stand-alone form of therapy are unclear. According to the current state of knowledge, scientific evidence has still to be improved to allow integration of herbal medicines into guidelines and standard treatment regimens for the indications reviewed here. In addition to clinical data, real world data and outcome measures can add significant value to pave the way for herbal medicines into future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Salm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jochen Rutz
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre of General Practice, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roman A. Blaheta
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zirak N, Shafiee M, Soltani G, Mirzaei M, Sahebkar A. Hypericum perforatum in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8496-8508. [PMID: 30461013 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are substantially associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common psychiatric disorders that often co-occur with each other as well as with other mental health conditions. Because of the limitations of currently available antidepressant therapies, there is a need for agents with improved efficacy and less adverse effects. Hypericum perforatum, widely known as St. John's wort, is a perennial herbaceous plant most well known for its antidepressant properties. METHODS We reviewed the available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of St. John's wort and its active constituents in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. RESULTS Several interesting data have been reported about the antidepressant properties of H. perforatum in clinical trials with different designs. In particular, a number of antidepressant-controlled trials demonstrated that H. perforatum and its active ingredients, hypericin and hyperforin, possess antidepressant properties similar to those of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors but with fewer and milder side effects. CONCLUSION St. John's wort may exert potent antidepressant effects and represents an efficacious and safe treatment. However, the current clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of H. perforatum in other psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders is not sufficient to draw a robust conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Zirak
- Lung Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shafiee
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ghasem Soltani
- Lung Diseases Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mirzaei
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review. Phytother Res 2018; 32:1147-1162. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, School of Science and Health; Western Sydney University; Westmead NSW Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic, Professorial Unit, ARCADIA Research Group; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne VIC Australia
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Meister R, Jansen A, Härter M, Nestoriuc Y, Kriston L. Placebo and nocebo reactions in randomized trials of pharmacological treatments for persistent depressive disorder. A meta-regression analysis. J Affect Disord 2017; 215:288-298. [PMID: 28363152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate placebo and nocebo reactions in randomized controlled trials (RCT) of pharmacological treatments for persistent depressive disorder (PDD). METHODS We conducted a systematic electronic search and included RCTs investigating antidepressants for the treatment of PDD. Outcomes were the number of patients experiencing response and remission in placebo arms (=placebo reaction). Additional outcomes were the incidence of patients experiencing adverse events and related discontinuations in placebo arms (=nocebo reaction). A priori defined effect modifiers were analyzed using a series of meta-regression analyses. RESULTS Twenty-three trials were included in the analyses. We found a pooled placebo response rate of 31% and a placebo remission rate of 22%. The pooled adverse event rate and related discontinuations were 57% and 4%, respectively. All placebo arm outcomes were positively associated with the corresponding medication arm outcomes. Placebo response rate was associated with a greater proportion of patients with early onset depression, a smaller chance to receive placebo and a larger sample size. The adverse event rate in placebo arms was associated with a greater proportion of patients with early onset depression, a smaller proportion of females and a more recent publication. CONCLUSIONS Pooled placebo and nocebo reaction rates in PDD were comparable to those in episodic depression. The identified effect modifiers should be considered to assess unbiased effects in RCTs, to influence placebo and nocebo reactions in practice. LIMITATIONS Limitations result from the methodology applied, the fact that we conducted only univariate analyses, and the number and quality of included trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Meister
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Alessa Jansen
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Federal Chamber of Psychotherapists, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Härter
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Nestoriuc
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Levente Kriston
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Amended safety assessment of Hypericum perforatum-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol 2015; 33:5S-23S. [PMID: 25297909 DOI: 10.1177/1091581814533354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) has issued an amended safety assessment of 7 Hypericum perforatum-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. A common name for this plant is St John wort. These ingredients function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents-miscellaneous and antimicrobial agents. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data related to the H perforatum-derived ingredients. Because formulators may use more than 1 botanical ingredient in a formulation, caution was urged to avoid levels of toxicological concern for constituent chemicals and impurities. The Panel concluded that H perforatum-derived ingredients were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentration as described in this safety assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian C Becker
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Scientific Analyst/Writer, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Wilma F Bergfeld
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Donald V Belsito
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ronald A Hill
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Daniel C Liebler
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James G Marks
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ronald C Shank
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas J Slaga
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paul W Snyder
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel Member, Washington, DC, USA
| | - F Alan Andersen
- Former Director, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Washington, DC, USA
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Mullane K, Winquist RJ, Williams M. Translational paradigms in pharmacology and drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 87:189-210. [PMID: 24184503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The translational sciences represent the core element in enabling and utilizing the output from the biomedical sciences and to improving drug discovery metrics by reducing the attrition rate as compounds move from preclinical research to clinical proof of concept. Key to understanding the basis of disease causality and to developing therapeutics is an ability to accurately diagnose the disease and to identify and develop safe and effective therapeutics for its treatment. The former requires validated biomarkers and the latter, qualified targets. Progress has been hampered by semantic issues, specifically those that define the end product, and by scientific issues that include data reliability, an overt reductionistic cultural focus and a lack of hierarchically integrated data gathering and systematic analysis. A necessary framework for these activities is represented by the discipline of pharmacology, efforts and training in which require recognition and revitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Mullane
- Profectus Pharma Consulting Inc., San Jose, CA, United States.
| | - Raymond J Winquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Economic evaluation of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. J Affect Disord 2013; 148:228-34. [PMID: 23291009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.11.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of rising health care expenditures has created a demand for information regarding the clinical and economic outcomes associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Clinical controlled trials have found St. John's wort to be as effective as antidepressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The objective of this study was to develop a model to assess the cost-effectiveness of St. John's wort based on this evidence. METHODS A Markov model was constructed to estimate health and economic impacts of St. John's wort versus antidepressants. Outcomes were treatment costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and Net Monetary Benefits (NMB). Probabilistic analyses were conducted on key model parameters. RESULTS The average NMB across 5000 simulations identified St. John's wort as the strategy with the highest net benefit. The total cost savings for SJW were $359.66 and $202.56 per individual for venlafaxine and sertraline respectively, with a gain of 0.08 to 0.12 QALYs over the 72 weeks of the model. LIMITATIONS A lack of direct comparative clinical trial data comparing SJW to venlafaxine and limited data with sertraline as a comparator was a major limitation. CONCLUSIONS In this model, St. John's wort was shown to be a cost-effective alternative to generic antidepressants. Patients are more likely to receive treatment for a duration consistent with professional guidelines for treatment of major depression due to reduced incidence of adverse effects, improving outcomes. This represents an important option in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.
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Sarris J, Kavanagh DJ. Kava and St. John's Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15:827-36. [PMID: 19614563 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood and anxiety disorders pose significant health burdens on the community. Kava and St. John's wort (SJW) are the most commonly used herbal medicines in the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders, respectively. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of kava and SJW, to review any evidence of efficacy, mode of action, pharmacokinetics, safety and use in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia (SP), panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library during late 2008. The search criteria involved mood and anxiety disorder search terms in combination with kava, Piper methysticum, kavalactones, St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum, hypericin, and hyperforin. Additional search criteria for safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics were employed. A subsequent forward search was conducted of the papers using Web of Science cited reference search. RESULTS Current evidence supports the use of SJW in treating mild-moderate depression, and for kava in treatment of generalized anxiety. In respect to the other disorders, only weak preliminary evidence exists for use of SJW in SAD. Currently there is no published human trial on use of kava in affective disorders, or in OCD, PTSD, PD, or SP. These disorders constitute potential applications that warrant exploration. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence for herbal medicines in the treatment of depression and anxiety only supports the use of Hypericum perforatum for depression, and Piper methysticum for generalized anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Sánchez-Mateo CC, Bonkanka CX, Rabanal RM. Hypericum grandifolium Choisy: a species native to Macaronesian Region with antidepressant effect. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 121:297-303. [PMID: 19041704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 10/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Various species of Hypericum genus have been used in the Canary Islands as sedative, diuretic, vermifuge, wound healing, antihysteric and antidepressant agent. Studies have shown that methanol extract of Hypericum grandifolium Choisy is active in tetrabenazine-induced ptosis and forced swimming tests. In the current study, the aqueous, butanol and chloroform fractions obtained from the methanol extract as well as three sub-fractions derived from the chloroform fraction were evaluated for their central nervous effects in mice, particularly their antidepressant activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The central nervous effect of different fractions and sub-fractions of Hypericum grandifolium was evaluated in mice using various behavioural models including locomotor and muscle relaxant activity, forced swimming test, effect on normal body temperature, barbiturate-induced sleep, tetrabenazine-induced syndrome and 5-hydroxytryptohan-induced head twitches and syndrome. RESULTS We found that the butanol and chloroform fractions and all sub-fractions showed an antidepressant effect in the forced swimming test, the chloroform fraction being the most active. They produced no effects or only a slight depression of locomotor activity. Chloroform fraction significantly increased the pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, produced a slight but significant hypothermia and antagonized tetrabenazine-induced ptosis, whereas the butanol fraction produced a slight potentiation of 5-HTP-induced head twitches and syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The present results, together with previous pharmacological and phytochemical data, indicated that Hypericum grandifolium possess antidepressant-like effects in mice and that different constituents, such as the flavonoids and the benzophenone derivatives, could be responsible at least in part for the antidepressant effects observed for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Sánchez-Mateo
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, c/Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez s/n, 38071 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
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Wille SMR, Cooreman SG, Neels HM, Lambert WEE. Relevant Issues in the Monitoring and the Toxicology of Antidepressants. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2008; 45:25-89. [DOI: 10.1080/10408360701713112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
Purpose: Many patients look to complementary and alternative medicine for a herbal solution to depression. This literature review summarizes recently published research on the treatment of depression using St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum). Conclusions: The compounds in St. John's wort herbal preparations are more effective than placebo and, in several studies, more effective than common antidepressant medications in treating minor depression. However, the efficacy of St. John's wort for treating major depression, cyclothymia, or bipolar disorder is less evident. Although some studies are promising in the treatment of these major disorders, research support is lacking, and it is a controversial aspect of Hypericum therapy. Practice implications: As with any herbal treatment, risks from adverse reactions and drug interactions exist. Providers have an ethical and legal obligation to stay current in knowledge and to provide useful, accurate information to patients.
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Seelinger G, Mannel M. Drug Treatment in Juvenile Depression - Is St. John's Wort a Safe and Effective Alternative? Child Adolesc Ment Health 2007; 12:143-149. [PMID: 32811070 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2006.00435.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of juvenile depression studies with long established anti-depressants (tricyclic anti-depressants) have revealed discouragingly little benefit, while side effects have been profound. Modern anti-depressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors seemed to solve part of this problem until they were found to be associated with an increased risk of suicidal attempts and ideation, hostile behaviour and self-harm, while meta-analyses have revealed only marginal therapeutic effects for the majority. Actually, no drug is unequivocally accepted as the gold-standard for young depressive patients. St. John's Wort (SJW) has been traditionally used in Europe to treat symptoms associated with juvenile depression. Close to 50 clinical studies performed over the last two decades have been presented as evidence that standardized SJW preparations are equally effective as synthetic anti-depressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults. Tolerability is excellent, but some relevant drug interactions have to be considered. Today, SJW is by far the most frequently prescribed medication for child and adolescent depression in Germany. Some pilot and observational studies from Germany, Canada and the US have delivered promising results. However, randomised controlled trials amongst this age group have yet to be carried out and are long overdue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Mannel
- Klinik für Allgemeinmedizin, Naturheilkunde und Psychosomatik, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12200, Berlin, Germany
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Kraft K. [New developments in hypericum extracts: data on efficacy and interactions]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2007; 157:284-7. [PMID: 17704973 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-007-0439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2007] [Accepted: 05/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The recent clinical studies on hypericum extract support the present indications for its use in mild to moderate depression and depressive episodes. The effectiveness is superior to placebo and comparable with synthetic antidepressive drugs. The rate of unwanted events is explicitly lower and their severity in general only mild. A further indication for hypericum could be somatoform disorders, but further clinical studies are recommended. The main compound responsible for interactions is presumably hyperforin, but further ingredients could contribute according to the specific composition of the particular extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kraft
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin, Lehrstuhl für Naturheilkunde, Rostock, Germany.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper reviews the commonly used botanicals for treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and presents information on their safety and efficacy. DESIGN The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for clinical trials related to the use of botanicals for depression, anxiety, and mood disturbances. Papers were excluded if they were in a language other than English, did not include midlife women as study participants, or did not report on changes in mood, depression, or anxiety. RESULTS Five of seven trials of St. John's wort for mild to moderate depression showed a significant improvement. The one randomized, controlled trial of ginseng in postmenopausal women reported improvements in mood and anxiety. All three randomized, controlled trials of ginkgo found no effect on depression. In four of eight controlled trials, kava significantly reduced anxiety. Black cohosh significantly reduced depression and anxiety in all studies reviewed. CONCLUSIONS St. John's wort and black cohosh appear to be the most useful in alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Ginseng may be effective, but more research needs to be done. Kava holds promise for decreasing anxiety in peri- and postmenopausal women; however, women should be careful in the amount and duration of use. Finally, ginkgo and valerian do not appear to be useful in reducing depression or anxiety in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie E Geller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago 60612, USA.
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Sarris J. Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review. Phytother Res 2007; 21:703-16. [PMID: 17562566 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a critical review of 27 herbal medicines and formulas in treating a broad range of psychiatric disorders (in addition to anxiety and depression), including obsessive-compulsive, seasonal affective, bipolar depressive, psychotic, phobic and somatoform disorders. Ovid Medline, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library were searched for pharmacological and clinical evidence of herbal medicines with psychotropic activity. A forward search of later citations was also conducted. Whilst substantial high-quality evidence exists for the use of kava and St John's wort in the treatment of anxiety and depression respectively, currently there is insufficient robust clinical evidence for the use of many other herbal medicines in psychiatric disorders. Phytotherapies which potentially have significant use in psychiatry, and urgently require more research are Rhodiola rosea (roseroot) and Crocus sativus (saffron) for depression; Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Scutellaria lateriflora (scullcap) and Zizyphus jujuba (sour date) for anxiety disorders; and Piper methysticum (kava) for phobic, panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. While depression and anxiety are commonly researched, the efficacy of herbal medicines in other mental disorders requires attention. The review addresses current issues in herbal psychotherapy: herbal safety, future areas of application, the relationship of herbal medicine with pharmaceuticals and the potential prescriptive integration of phytomedicines with synthetic psychotropic medicines. Particular attention is given to clinical and safety issues with St John's wort and kava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Sarris
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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