Introduction That inflammatory processes can be involved in the etiology of psychic depression
is now widely accepted [1]
[2]. An IFN-α-induced raise of TNF-α and IL-6 can cause depressive symptoms, and even
the microinflammation in long COVID syndrome is often connected to depressive symptoms
[3].
Therefore it seems relevant to re-assess, whether data confirm the relevance of anti-inflammatory
mechanisms of action in herbal treatment options in depressive episodes, with focus
on St. John’s wort [4].
Methods A broad and systematic literature review was conducted [Medline, EMBASE] and evidence
was assessed.
Results As well for St. John’s wort extracts as for a number of its constituents, especially
flavonols and hyperforin, in vitro and in vivo data show numerous anti-inflammatory
mechanisms of action. Recent examples are data on the phagocytic and migratory activity
of microglia cells [5] or on pituitary-derived AtT-20 cells in vitro [4].
Conclusions Overall, also most recent data show potential mechanisms of action of St. John’s
wort extracts, which could be one of the key mechanisms of actions [4] of St. John’s wort in psychic depression, especially with inflammatory etiology.
