A review of clinical and experimental observations about antidepressant actions and side effects produced by Hypericum perforatum extracts.(Review) From: Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy &Phytopharmacology | Date: November 1, 2003| Author: Rodriguez, Landa, J.F.; Contreras, C.M. | COPYRIGHT 2003 Urban & Fischer Verlag. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Summary

Hypericum perforatum is an herbaceous perennial plant, also known as "St. John's wort", used popularly as a natural antidepressant. Although some clinical and experimental studies suggest it has some properties similar to conventional antidepressants, the proposed mechanism of action seems to be multiple: a non-selective blockade of the reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine; an increase in density of serotonergic and dopaminergic receptors and an inc...