From inflammation to depression. How can St. John’s wort help?

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.

 

MissingLinkText

• References

• 1 Moisan MP. et al. 2021; Transl Psychiatry 11: 203
• 2 Grundmann O. et al. 2010; Neuropharmacology 58: 767
• 3 Perlis RH. et al. 2021; medRxiv preprint
• 4 Dillenburger B. et al. 2020; Nervenheilk 39: 565-571
• 5 Bonaterra G. et al. 2020; Frontiers in Pharmacol 11

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2021