Posted by JohnB on November 24, 2000, at 3:34:19
In reply to thanks Re: Online, but not free » Rebecca, posted by Maniz on November 20, 2000, at 18:53:02
This is a transcript of the article's comments on SJW, SAM-e, and Kava.
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St. John's WortMany studies have shown that St. John's wort, is effective in relieving mild-to-moderate depression. In September, the British Medical Journal published the impressive results of the largest clinical trial of the herb so far, involving 324 parients. The six-week study, from Germany, found that SJW was therapeutically equivalent to imiprimine (Tofranil), and caused fewer intolerable side effects. In theory SJW may work in multiple ways, including effects on dopamine and other brain chemicals.
In an unprecedented acceptance of an herbal remedy, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, have given members the green light to consider recommending it for short-term treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. However there's no evidence that SJW will help people with severe depression.
SJW can potentially decrease the effectiveness of a host of meds, including oral contraceptives, cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure and heart disease, protease inhibitors for HIV infection, and many other prescription drugs. And it shouldn't be take with another antideppressant, since the herb can magnify the med's effects and side effects.
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SAM-eThe latest study of SAM-e, the largest so far, bolsters the possibility tha SAM-e might work against even moderate-to-severe depression. In that study, a not-yet-published clinical trial from Italy involving 281 patients, SAM-e matched the effectiveness of the antidepressant imipramine, with fewer side effects. It can trigger mania, so people with manic-depression should avoid it. SAM-e does not appear to interact with other medications, although it theoretically may increase the effects of AD's.
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KavaThe extract of the root of this plant, long used in traditional ceremonies by Pacific Islanders, reputedly eases anxiety, elevates mood, and relaxes muscles. Lab research suggests that kava may block a nerve stimulating chemical in the brain or boost the imact of a nerve-inhibiting chemical. Several small clinical trials have found that kava helps curb anxiety. And a six-week German study of 172 patients with anxiety disorders found kava just as effective as the prescription antianxiety dru oxazepam (Serax).
Kava can magnify the potency of other antianxiety medicines and reduce tha effectiveness of several other drugs, notably Parkinson's drugs containing levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet). Though side effects are generally mild, kava can impair coordination and blur vision in some people. So don't take it with alcohol, and use caution if you drive after taking the herb.
poster:JohnB
thread:49113
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49334.html