hypericum and Inflammation

Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Hypericum; Inflammation; Phloroglucinol; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Terpenes

The genus Hypericum includes more than 450 species distributed in Europe, North America, North Africa and West Asia. These plants are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, burns and gastric disorders. The use for alleviating inflammation and promoting wound healing is well known for H. Perforatum L. (St. John's wort) and other species. Because of its pharmacological activity, H. perforatum L. is one of the most important species of this genus. This plant has been largely utilized for its efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. However, some other species have been utilized in traditional medicine and have been studied for their phytochemical composition and for their biological activities to date. Hypericum species contain biologically active secondary metabolites belonging to at least ten different classes, with prevalence of naphthodianthrones (hypericin and pseudohypericin), phloroglucinols (hyperforin), flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin, amentoflavone) and phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid). However, great variations in contents have been reported for wild populations worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of most recent studies about potential pharmaceutical applications of plants belonging to Hypericum genus. The most interesting isolated active principles and both in vitro and in vivo effects of Hypericum extracts are presented and discussed.

Topics: Burns; Humans; Hypericum; Inflammation; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Stomach Diseases

Hyperforin, a major constituent of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum, HP), provides anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-bacterial properties. Previous studies have shown anti-oxidative properties of St. John's Wort extracts; however, its free radical scavenging activity in skin cells or skin has not been assessed in detail so far. Therefore, the free radical scavenging activity of hyperforin was tested in the H(2)DCFDA-assay in vitro in HaCaT keratinocytes irradiated with solar simulated radiation. Hyperforin (EC(50) 0.7 μM corresponding to 0.42 μg/ml) was much more effective compared to Trolox (EC(50) 12 μg/ml) and N-acetylcysteine (EC(50) 847 μg/ml) without showing phototoxicity. The radical protection factor of a cream containing 1.5%w/w of a hyperforin-rich HP extract was determined to be 200 × 10(14) radicals/mg, indicating a high radical scavenging activity. The cream was further applied ex vivo on porcine ear skin and significantly reduced radical formation after infrared irradiation. Finally, the UV-protective effect of the HP cream was tested on 20 volunteers in a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. HP cream significantly reduced UVB-induced erythema as opposed to the vehicle. Occlusive application of HP cream on non-irradiated test sites did not cause any skin irritation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hyperforin is a powerful free radical scavenger.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Double-Blind Method; Erythema; Female; Free Radical Scavengers; Humans; Hypericum; Inflammation; Keratinocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Phloroglucinol; Plant Extracts; Skin; Swine; Terpenes; Ultraviolet Rays; Young Adult

The consequences of increased industrialization increased the risk of asthma and breathing difficulties due to increased particulate matter in the air. We aim to investigate the therapeutic properties of Hypericum ascyron L. extract (HAE) in airway inflammation and unravel its mechanism of action. We conducted nitric oxide and cell viability assay, real-time PCR and western blot analyses along with in vitro studies. in vivo studies include a model of coal fly ash and diesel exhaust particle (CFD)-induced airway inflammation in mice. HAE reduced coal fly ash (CFA)-induced nitric oxide secretion without exhibiting cytotoxicity in MH-S cells. HAE also reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of proteins in the NFκB and MAPK pathways. In a mice model of CFD-induced airway inflammation, HAE effectively reduced neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increased the amount of T cells in the BALF, lungs, and blood while reducing all other immune cell subtypes to reduce airway inflammatory response. CXCL-1, IL-17, MIP-2, and TNF-α expression in the BALF were also reduced. HAE effectively reduced MIP-2 and TNF-α mRNA expression in the lung tissue of mice. In a nutshell, HAE is effective in preventing airway inflammation induced by CFA in MH-S cells, as well as inflammation induced by CFD in mice.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Hypericum; Inflammation; Mice; Particulate Matter

The genus Hypericum are widely distributed in China. Hypericum perforatum L. (genus Hypericum, family Hypericaceae) has a long history as a traditional Chinese medicine, which was traditionally used for the treatment of emotional distress, cardiothoracic depression, and acute mastitis. Hyperoside (Hyp) extracted from Hypericum perforatum L. has been affirmed to exert therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases, with widespread existence in plants of genus Hypericum. Hyp could also be extracted from Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (genus Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, family Rosaceae), another traditional Chinese medicine that traditionally prevented and treated heart disease in China. The cardioprotection and mechanism of Hyp comprise anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, activation of autophagy, and reversal of cardiac remodeling.. This study aimed to explore the Hyp effect against MI and its underlying mechanism.. The MI model was constructed in the KM mice via a ligating surgery of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Subsequently, the mice were divided into following seven groups: Sham group, MI group, MI + Hyp 9 mg/kg group, MI + Hyp18 mg/kg group, MI + Hyp36 mg/kg group, MI + Fosinopril group, and MI + Hyp-36 mg/kg+3-MA group. Each group was treated with Hyp in different concentrations or positive medicine for two weeks except for the sham group. After two weeks, we examined the cardiac function, electrocardiogram (ECG), myocardial hypertrophy in the non-infarct area, collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular collagen area (PVCA) in the infarct area, and several serum cytokines. Autophagy and inflammation in cardiomyocytes were assessed via measuring autophagy-associated proteins and NLRP1 inflammasome pathway related proteins.. Hyp reversed LV remodeling and adverse ECG changes through reducing CVF and myocardial hypertrophy. Additionally, Hyp treatment could reduce inflammation levels in cardiomyocytes, compared with those in MI group. Moreover, NLRP1inflammation pathway was activated after MI. Up-regulation of autophagic flux suppressed NLRP1 inflammation pathway after Hyp treatment. However, co-treatment with 3-MA abrogated above effects of Hyp.. Hyp had obvious protective effect on heart injury in MI mice. Echocanrdiographic and histological measurements demonstrated that Hyp treatment improved cardiac function, and ameliorated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrinogen deposition after MI. The partial mechanism is that Hyp could up-regulate autophagy after MI. Furthermore, the promotion of autophagic flux would suppress NLRP1 inflammation pathway induced by MI.

Topics: Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Animals; Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; Autophagy; Body Weight; Cardiotonic Agents; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Electrocardiography; Heart Diseases; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Myocardial Infarction; Myocytes, Cardiac; Organ Size; Quercetin; Signal Transduction; Ventricular Remodeling

Natural extracts with beneficial biological activities are nowadays of high interest, in various treatment or prophylaxis. Hypericum capitatum has been known for its curative effects for centuries and its extracts have become of interest due to their distinct activity among other Hypericaceae members. In this study, further light is aimed to be shed on the secondary-metabolites composition of H. capitatum extracts, using chromatographic techniques and Electron paramagnetic resonance profiles in alkaline medium. Considering that no previous works explored the anti-inflammatory activity of H. capitatum, here, an in vivo study is also designed in order to evaluate this property by assessing the impact of one of H. capitatum extracts in ameliorating turpentine oil-induced inflammation on rats and to quantify their blood antioxidants level.. Chromatographic techniques and Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were used in order to describe the chemical profile in different parts of the plant. The in vivo study on turpentine-oil induced inflammation in rats included three doses of H. capitatum extract expressed in rutin concentration. Oxidative stress was measured using total oxidative status, total antioxidant capacity, oxidative stress index, 3-nitrotyrosine, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and the inflammatory response was evaluated by performing a complete blood cells count and C reactive protein.. The extract was remarkably rich in rutin; however, other polyphenolic-like minor components appeared important in explaining the observed biological properties. The tested extract prevents the increase of inflammation-induced white blood cell count, number of neutrophils, and serum nitric oxide, and did so in a dose-dependent manner, similarly to the positive control-diclofenac. In addition, the same extract appeared to be a good alternative to diclofenac to restore total oxidative status, thiobarbituric active reactive species, total proteins and C reactive proteins. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and total serum thiol concentration were significantly increased by the tested extract.. Due to its powerful reservoir rich in rutin, H. capitatum extract depicted its in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects indicating it to be a good alternative to conventional drugs for oxidative stress protection.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Catalase; Female; Humans; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rutin; Superoxide Dismutase; Turpentine

This study was conducted to explore whether Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL) as a potent antioxidant protects against oxidative stress, cytokine production and caspase expression in muscle (soleus), brain and blood of sciatic nerve injury (SNI)-induced rats.. Thirty-five rats were equally divided into five groups. The first and second were used as untreated control and sham control groups, respectively. The third, fourth and fifth were sham + HPL, SNI and SNI + HPL groups, respectively. The third and fifth groups received 30 mg/kg HPL via gastric gavage for 28 days.. High levels of muscle, brain and red blood cell (RBC) lipid peroxidation, plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2), muscle PARP, caspase 3 and 9 expression levels were decreased by HPL treatments. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, α-tocopherol and melatonin, muscle, brain and RBC reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were decreased by SNI induction, whereas their values were increased by HPL treatments. β-carotene and retinol concentrations did not change in the five groups.. HPL may play a role in preventing SNI-induced inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic blood, muscle and brain damages through upregulation of the GSH and GPx values but downregulation of PARP, caspase level and cytokine production in SNI-induced rats.

Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Brain; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypericum; Inflammation; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sciatic Nerve

Hypericum attenuatum Choisy, a traditional Chinese herb, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and has been used to treat rheumatic arthritis in China for centuries. However, the underlying mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect is poorly understood.. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of EtOAc fractions of H. attenuatum Choisy (Ha-EtOAc) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation and hypothesized that Ha-EtOAc could attenuate inflammation in the colon.. LPS was utilized to induce RAW264.7 cells inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ha-EtOAc in RAW264.7 cells was evaluated by measuring the inhibition ratio of nitric oxide (NO) production. Murine ulcerative colitis (UC) was induced by treatment with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The basic indexes of the mice, including body weight, food intake and hematochezia, were recorded during mice experiments.. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Additionally, the influences of Ha-EtOAc on the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, the impact of Ha-EtOAc on gut microbiota of mice with UC was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing.. Ha-EtOAc inhibited the LPS-induced production of NO and decreased the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, pretreatment with Ha-EtOAc could suppress the nuclear translocation of p65 and the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, p38 and JNK. Ha-EtOAc treatment ameliorated murine UC, as reflected by a reduced body weight loss, improved colon shortening, alleviated mucosal damage and decreased releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Ha-EtOAc could modulate the composition of microbial communities.. Our results demonstrated that Ha-EtOAc exhibited anti-inflammatory effects mainly by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and Ha-EtOAc treatment may be a potent therapy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hypericum; Inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; Nitric Oxide; RAW 264.7 Cells; Signal Transduction

Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray is traditionally used in Nepal to treat several diseases, among whom inflammation and acute pain. Although several secondary metabolites from the same Hypericum species have been already characterized and considered for their pharmacological use, an exhaustive phytochemical characterization of H. japonicum from Nepal is lacking, as well as the assessment of its potential pharmacological properties. Hence, the aims of this study were the characterization of a methanolic extract of H. japonicum (HJME) collected from the Northern region of Nepal by LC-MS

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Assay; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Chromatography, Liquid; Flavonoids; Humans; Hydroxybenzoates; Hypericum; Inflammation; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Mass Spectrometry; Nepal; NF-kappa B p50 Subunit; Phloroglucinol; Plant Extracts; THP-1 Cells; Transcription Factor AP-1; Xanthones

The present therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain, inflammation and pyrexia are not very effective and accompanied by various side effects. Therefore, new effective agents are the most wanted. The present study investigates the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of crude methanol extract of Hypericum oblongifolium.. In vivo acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate tests were used for antinociceptive effects at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg i.p. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of methanol extract were tested in carrageenan induced paw edema in mice and yeast induced hyperthermia respectively.. The extract doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg i.p. revealed significant inhibitory effect (P < 0.001) in acetic acid induced writhing test. Pretreatment of extract at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg i.p. produced significant anti-inflammatory effect (P < 0.001) in the carrageenan induced paw edema. The methanol extract also showed significant antipyretic effect in yeast induced hyperthermia in mice during various assessment times.. The methanol extract of H. oblongifolium showed significant anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects in various animal models and thus validates the traditional uses of the plant in said conditions.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Female; Fever; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Pain; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal

Hypericum perforatum is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which is commercially available for therapeutic use in Brazil. Herein the effect of H. perforatum extract on paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced hepatotoxicity, lethality, inflammation, and oxidative stress in male swiss mice were investigated. HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of rutin, quercetin, hypericin, pseudohypericin, and hyperforin in H. perforatum extract. Paracetamol (0.15-3.0 g/kg, p.o.) induced dose-dependent mortality. The sub-maximal lethal dose of paracetamol (1.5 g/kg, p.o.) was chosen for the experiments in the study. H. perforatum (30-300 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced paracetamol-induced lethality. Paracetamol-induced increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations, and hepatic myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ concentrations as well as decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and capacity to reduce 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate radical cation; ABTS˙(+) ) were inhibited by H. perforatum (300 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment. Therefore, H. perforatum protects mice against paracetamol-induced lethality and liver damage. This effect seems to be related to the reduction of paracetamol-induced cytokine production, neutrophil recruitment, and oxidative stress.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Anthracenes; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Glutathione; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Perylene; Phloroglucinol; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Quercetin; Rutin; Terpenes; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The purpose of this study was to identify the possible effects of Hypericum Perforatum (HP) on the prevention of experimentally induced myringosclerosis (MS).. Twenty eight Wistar Albino rats were used and they were divided into four groups. Tympanic membranes of all animals were perforated and then group I had no treatment as a control group, group II had treated with olive oil only, group III had treated with HP orally and group IV had treated with HP topically.. Groups I and II showed extensive myringosclerosis in contrast to those of Groups III and IV which had significantly less changes (p<0.05). The inflammation and fibrosis in the lamina propria of the tympanic membranes of Groups I and II were found to be significantly more pronounced (p<0.05). The tympanic membranes were found to be significantly thinner in Groups III and IV when compared with Groups I and II (p<0.05).. The results of the present study suggested that oral or topical administration of HP extract after myringotomy suppressed the inflammation and fibroblastic activity in the lamina propria of the myringotomized TMs of the rats. Further clinical studies with larger population using HP and other antioxidants will be essential to provide further evidence for use of antioxidant therapy in patients with myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion for otitis media with effusion.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Animals; Fibrosis; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Models, Animal; Mucous Membrane; Myringosclerosis; Plant Extracts; Postoperative Complications; Rats, Wistar; Tympanic Membrane

Despite widespread use as well as epidemiologic indications, there have been no investigations into the effect of St. John's wort (SJW) extract on colorectal carcinogenesis in vivo. This study reports a systematic evaluation of the impact of dietary supplementation of SJW extract on azoxymethane-induced colorectal carcinogenesis in mice. Mice were fed with either AIN-93G (control) diet or SJW extract-supplemented diet (SJW diet) prior to azoxymethane treatment. SJW diet was found to significantly improve the overall survival of azoxymethane-treated mice. Pretreatment with the SJW diet significantly reduced body weight loss as well as decrease of serum albumin and cholesterol levels associated with azoxymethane-induced colorectal tumorigenesis. SJW diet-fed mice showed a significant decrease in tumor multiplicity along with a decrease in incidence of large tumors and a trend toward decreased total tumor volume in a dose-dependent manner. A short-term study, which examined the effect of SJW prior to rectal bleeding, also showed decrease in colorectal polyps in SJW diet-fed mice. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathways were attenuated by SJW administration. SJW extract resulted in early and continuous attenuation of these pathways in the colon epithelium of SJW diet-fed mice under both short-term and long-term treatment regimens. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the chemopreventive potential of SJW extract against colorectal cancer through attenuation of proinflammatory processes.

Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Azoxymethane; Carcinogenesis; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Colon; Colorectal Neoplasms; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; NF-kappa B; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Oligonucleotides; Plant Extracts; Signal Transduction

Our previous studies found that 4 compounds, namely pseudohypericin, amentoflavone, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, in Hypericum perforatum ethanol extract synergistically inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Microarray studies led us to hypothesize that these compounds inhibited PGE2 production by activating suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). In the current study, siRNA was used to knockdown expression of SOCS3 in RAW 264.7 macrophages and investigated the impact of H. perforatum extract and the 4 compounds on inflammatory mediators and cytokines. It was found that the SOCS3 knockdown significantly compromised the inhibition of PGE2 and nitric oxide (NO) by the 4 compounds, but not by the extract. The 4 compounds, but not the extract, decreased interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while both lowered interleukine-1β. SOCS3 knockdown further decreased IL-6 and TNF-α. Pseudohypericin was the major contributor to the PGE2 and NO inhibition in cells treated with the 4 compounds, and its activity was lost with the SOCS3 knockdown. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase protein expression were not altered by the treatments, while COX-2 activity was decreased by the extract and the 4 compounds and increased by SOCS3 knockdown. In summary, it was demonstrated that the 4 compounds inhibited LPS-induced PGE2 and NO through SOCS3 activation. The reduction of PGE2 can be partially attributed to COX-2 enzyme activity, which was significantly elevated with SOCS3 knockdown. At the same time, these results also suggest that constituents in H. perforatum extract were alleviating LPS-induced macrophage response through SOCS3 independent mechanisms.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biflavonoids; Cell Line; Chlorogenic Acid; Cytokines; Dinoprostone; Ethanol; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Hypericum; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; Mice; Nitric Oxide; Perylene; Quercetin; RNA, Small Interfering; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins; Transcription, Genetic; Transfection

Inflammation has been linked to depression and suicide risk. One inflammatory process that has been minimally investigated in this regard is cytokine-stimulated production of kynurenine (KYN) from tryptophan (TRP). Recent data suggest that KYN increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with depressive symptoms secondary to immune activation. KYN may alter dopaminergic and glutamatergic tone, thereby contributing to increased arousal, agitation and impulsivity - important risk factors in suicide. We hypothesized that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a history of suicide attempt would have higher levels of KYN than depressed nonattempters, who in turn would have higher levels than healthy volunteers.. Plasma KYN, TRP, and neopterin were assayed by high performance liquid chromatography in three groups: healthy volunteers (n=31) and patients with MDD with (n=14) and without (n=16) history of suicide attempt. Analysis of variance tested for group differences in KYN levels.. KYN levels differed across groups (F=4.03, df=(2,58), and p=0.023): a priori planned contrasts showed that KYN was higher in the MDD suicide attempter subgroup compared with MDD non-attempters (t=2.105, df=58, and p=0.040), who did not differ from healthy volunteers (t=0.418, df=58, and p=0.677). In post hoc testing, KYN but not TRP was associated with attempt status, and only suicide attempters exhibited a positive correlation of the cytokine activation marker neopterin with the KYN:TRP ratio, suggesting that KYN production may be influenced by inflammatory processes among suicide attempters.. These preliminary results suggest that KYN and related molecular pathways may be implicated in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Cytokines; Depressive Disorder, Major; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Female; Humans; Hypericum; Impulsive Behavior; Inflammation; Kynurenine; Male; Middle Aged; Neopterin; Phytotherapy; Recurrence; Serotonin; Smoking; Suicide, Attempted; Thiophenes; Tryptophan; Young Adult

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., family Hypericaceae) is a flowering herb, which has been used traditionally for decades in Europe and other parts of the world for the treatment of depressive mood disorders. A number of clinical trials support its application in the treatment of depressive mood symptoms. Although not commonly known for this use, St John's wort is also reputed for its usefulness in inflammatory conditions such as sciatica and fibromyalgia. This article discusses evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies supporting a possible use of St. John's wort as an anti-inflammatory remedy, in addition to its well-known antidepressant effects.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Hypericum; Inflammation; Mice; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Rats; Sciatica

A considerable body of recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress and exaggerated production of reactive oxygen species play a major role in several aspects of inflammation and shock. Hypericum perforatum is a medicinal plant species containing many polyphenolic compounds, namely flavonoids and phenolic acids. Because polyphenolic compounds have high antioxidant potential, in this study we evaluated the effect of Hypericum perforatum extract on acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein administration in male CD mice. Intraperitoneal injection of cerulein in mice resulted in a severe, acute pancreatitis, which was characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, tissue hemorrhage, and cell necrosis as well as increases in the serum levels of amylase and/or lipase in comparison to sham-treated mice. The infiltration of the pancreatic tissue of these animals with neutrophils (measured as increase in myeloperoxidase activity) was associated with expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a marked increase in the staining (immunoreactivity) for nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) in the pancreas of cerulein-treated mice in comparison to sham-treated mice. In contrast, the degree of (a) pancreatic inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (b) expression of ICAM-1, (c) the staining for nitrotyrosine and PAR, and (d) myeloperoxidase activity was markedly reduced in pancreatic tissue sections obtained from cerulein-treated mice administered Hypericum perforatum extract (30 mg/kg, suspended in 0.2 mL of saline solution, o.s.). Moreover, the treatment with Hypericum perforatum extract significantly reduced the mortality rate at 5 days after cerulein administration. Taken together, our results indicate that Hypericum perforatum extract reduces the development of acute pancreatitis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Ceruletide; Flavonoids; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Pancreatitis; Phenols; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Polyphenols

The present study investigates the analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the infusion, methanol extract and fractions of the aerial part in blossom of Hypericum reflexum L. fil. in mice. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test, tail flick test and the tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation model in mice were used to determine these effects. Our findings show that oral administration of all extracts tested from this species significantly inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Only the methanol extract and chloroform fraction were significantly active in both phases of formalin-induced pain and in the tail flick assays, suggesting that they may have central analgesic properties. On the other hand, the topical treatment of methanol extract, butanol and chloroform fractions of this species significantly reduced the TPA-induced ear oedema. In conclusion, the results indicate analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory activities in mice for the Hypericum species studied.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Hypericum; Inflammation; Mice; Plant Extracts; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate

Oxidative stress results from an oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, an excess of oxidants, and/or a depletion of antioxidants. A considerable body of recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress and exaggerated production of reactive oxygen species play a major role in several aspects of inflammation. Hypericum perforatum is a medicinal plant species containing many polyphenolic compounds, namely, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Because polyphenolic compounds have high antioxidant potential, in this study, we evaluated the effect of H. perforatum (given at 30 mg . kg (-1)) in an experimental animal model of spinal cord injury, which was induced by the application of vascular clips to the dura via a four-level T5 through T8 laminectomy. The degree of (a) spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), (b) nitrotyrosine, (c) poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose), (d) neutrophils infiltration, and (e) the activation of signal transducer and activator transcription 3 was markedly reduced in spinal cord tissue obtained from H. perforatum extract-treated mice. We have also demonstrated that H. perforatum extract significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function.

Topics: Animals; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Neutrophil Infiltration; Oxidative Stress; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Poly Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Recovery of Function; Signal Transduction; Spinal Cord Injuries; Tyrosine

The present study investigates the analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory activities of the infusion, methanol extract and fractions of the aerial part in blossom of Hypericum canariense L. and Hypericum glandulosum Ait. in mice. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, tail flick test and the tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation model in mice were used to determine these effects. Our findings show that oral administration of methanol extracts, and the aqueous, butanol and chloroform fractions of both species and the infusions of Hypericum glandulosum significantly inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Only the infusion, methanol extract and butanol and chloroform fractions of Hypericum glandulosum were significantly active in the tail flick assay, suggesting that they may have central analgesic properties. On the other hand, the topical treatment of all extracts tested from both species, with the exception of the infusions and the Hypericum canariense aqueous fraction, significantly reduced the TPA-induced ear oedema. In conclusion, the results indicate analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory activities in mice for the Hypericum species studied.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Ear; Female; Flowers; Hypericum; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Pain; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Tail; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate