Posted by JohnL on March 14, 2000, at 2:26:18
In reply to Re: St John's Wort Question for Cam W and John L, posted by JB on March 13, 2000, at 11:27:57
I don't think any of the researchers have completely agreed or fully understood SJW's mechanisms. Some say hyperforin is the MAO inhibitor substance in SJW, while others say it isn't. Some say hypericin is the reputake inhibitor substance and others say it is isn't. But they all seem to agree there are probably many modes of action, none strong enough by themselves, but effective synergistically. Similar to many small streams making a large river. That's the answer the folks at Kira gave me when I asked them about their hyperforin content. They admit they don't know SJW's true mode of action, but that there are many clinical studies supporting its efficacy regardless. And that its efficacy is probably due to hundreds of substances working in harmony.
For more cool reading (this paper is loaded with info) go to www.primenet.com/~camilla/STJOHNS.FAQ.
There is also a ton of good reading at www.hypericum.com.
Also, to view all the clinical studies, go to www.mentalhealth.com. Once you get there, follow the instructions to do research on a drug...any drug, doesn't matter. Once you get to the research page of that drug, you can erase the drug's name in the box at the top of page, and type in anything you want to research. Try hypericum. And hyperforin. St. Johnswort. Hypericin.
All this will keep you busy for hours, and you'll be an expert when you're done. :) JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:26662
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/26945.html