Franklin M, Chi J, McGavin C, Hockney R, Reed A, Campling G, Whale RW, Cowen PJ. Neuroendocrine evidence for dopaminergic actions of hypericum extract (LI 160) in healthy volunteers.
Biol Psychiatry 1999;
46:581-4. [PMID:
10459411 DOI:
10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00102-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We studied the effect of a single dose of a formulation of a methanolic extract of Hypericum perforatum (HP), also known as St. John's wort, on plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and cortisol (CORT) in 12 healthy male volunteers.
METHODS
Subjects received 9 tablets of the finished product Jarsin 300 and placebo in a double-blind, balanced-order, cross-over design.
RESULTS
Following HP relative to placebo, there was a significant increase in plasma GH and a significant decrease in plasma PRL. Plasma CORT levels were unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together with data from animal experimental studies, the findings suggest that this dose of HP may increase some aspects of brain dopamine function in humans.
Collapse