Greek mountain tea – an herbal drug for mental enhancement

The aerial parts of Ironwort (Sideritis ssp.) have been used for a long time, commonly known as „Mountain tea“ in Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria and Albania. Mountain farmers around eastern Mediterranean region drunk beverages and classical (caffeine-free) tea preparations from Herba Sideritis traditionally after work for calming down and to remedy the common cold [1]. Newer investigations on highly lipophilic extracts [2] demonstrate reuptake-effects on serotonin metabolism in-vitro. All results were without relationship to the distinct used Sideritis species nor of their origin. Our actual investigations used this testing model as screening tool to evaluate potentials of different Sideritis species and aqueous tea-analogue extracts as well ethanolic-water extracts. Findings were used to prepare study preparation (nutrifin® mental) in an in-vivo mouse model. Herein an ElectroEncephaloGraphic Pharmacogram (EEGP) was made to detect possible psychopharmacological effects [3]. Strongest effects were seen with respect to alpha2 waves representing an activation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Delta, theta, and especially at higher dosages also alpha1 waves were also attenuated, compatible with the view of activation of the cholinergic, norepinephrinergic and serotonergic transmission systems. All activities were located in frontal cortex and hypocampus regions responsible for cognitive performance. A clinical study on the acute effects of nutrifin® mental on healthy humans is currently in progress.

References: 1. Dioscurides (1st century A.D.) De Materia Medica.

2. Knörle R., Schnierle P. (2005) Patent application EP 1634602.

3. Dimpfel W., Profiling of Extr. Sideritis aquos. sicc. by means of EEGpower spectra of conscious freely moving rats (electropharmacogram). unpublished data (2009).