Hypericum & Depression

Study 19

Nocturnal melatonin and cortisol secretions before and after subchronic administration of Hyperforat.

AU:Demisch-L, Nispel-J, Sielaff-T, Gebhart-P, Köhler-C, Pflug-B

SO:Abstract from the AGNP-symposium, Nuernberg 1991.

Description

Nocturnal plasma profiles were measured in 12 healthy volunteers before and after 3 weeks of hypericum treatment (Hyperforat, 90 drops/day). They also received light treatment with either 300 or > 2500 lux before and after hypericum treatment. Plasma melatonin and cortisol were measured by immunometric methods.

Results

• Before medication only pulses of 2,500 lux, but not pulses of 300 lux , suppressed melatonin plasma levels.
• After medication light pulses of 300 lux also had a significant effect
• The nocturnal secretion of melatonin increased significantly after medication.
• After three weeks of medication, nocturnal stress stimulation (awakening and sitting) led to a significantly smaller increase in plasma cortisol.

Researchers' conclusion

• Subchronic intake of hypericum changed mechanisms of the visual system associated with the production of melatonin. "Stress" induced nocturnal cortisol secretions may also contribute to a therapeutic effect.

Copyright © 1996 by Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. and Peter McWilliams