Hyperforin

Hyperforin is one of the principal constituents identified in St John's wort. Hyperforin is a prenylated phloroglucinol believed to be the main active constituent responsible for its antidepressant effects. (Barnes et al., 2002) Hyperforin has been shown to inhibit the uptake of 5-HT(serotonin), dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA and glutamate. (Chatterjee et al., 1998) Hyperforin is also thought to be responsible for the induction of the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 by binding to the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR).

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As ejaculatory control

Hyperforin and other serotonin agonists significantly reduces the pelvic floor contractions elicited by 8-OH-DPAT. ^[1] Thus, pharmacological modulation of the ejaculatory threshold using serotonin reuptake inhibitors and hyperforin may offer patients an option of achieving improved ejaculatory control.

See also

• St John's Wort
• Serotonin
• 5-HTP
• hypericum

References

• Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD (2002). Herbal Medicines: A guide for healthcare professionals (2 ed.) London: Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN 0-85369-474-5
• Chatterjee SS, Bhattacharya SK, Wonnemann M, Singer A, Muller WE (1998a). Hyperforin as a possible antidepressant component of hypericum extracts. Life Sci 63 (6), 499-510.
• Thomas, C.A., Tyagi, S., Yoshimura, N., Chancellor, M.B., Tyagi, P.: Effect of hyperforin-enriched extract on pro-ejaculatory effect of 8-Hydroxy-2-(Di-N-Propylamino) tetralin in anesthetized rats. Urology, in press, 2007.