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Pharmacodynamic study of Hypericum perforatum L
V Jakovljević1, M Popović, N Mimica-Dukić
1Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.
Summary
Hypericum perforatum extracts show CNS stimulant and antidepressant effects, prolonging sleep. They also demonstrate significant analgesic and spasmolytic activities, reducing pain and intestinal motility.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's Wort) is a medicinal plant with a history of use in traditional medicine.
- Its psychoactive and physiological effects require scientific validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacological effects of various Hypericum perforatum extracts.
- To evaluate CNS, analgesic, and spasmolytic activities.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of crude ethanol extract (A), ethyl acetate extract (B), aqueous extract (C), and infusion (I).
- Assessment of pentobarbital-induced sleeping time, intestinal motility, and acetic acid-induced abdominal stretching in animal models.
Main Results:
- Extracts A and B demonstrated significant CNS stimulatory and antidepressant effects, prolonging pentobarbital-induced sleep by over 25 minutes.
- Extract A reduced diazepam's myorelaxant activity, indicating antidepressant potential.
- Extract B showed strong analgesic activity, reducing abdominal stretching by approximately 50%.
- Extracts A, B, and C exhibited significant spasmolytic activity, reducing intestinal motility.
Conclusions:
- Hypericum perforatum extracts possess notable CNS, analgesic, and spasmolytic properties.
- The findings support the traditional use of St. John's Wort for certain ailments and highlight its potential as a source for novel therapeutics.