SJW, 5HTP, magnesium and tart cherry, thanks and questions (was: newbie with questions)

[Guest guest]

Wow thanks Althea, this is very helpful to me and I hope it also helps the

newbie who asked the

initial question. I keep getting varying opinions on SJW. Some like you and I

, and like my gp and

pharmacist and ND, have believed SJW acts like an SSRI. Others say it's more

like a MOI. I only

use the following as an example I found just now when googling: " SJW, equivalent "

- for a moment I

couldn't think of what the other considered equivalent I'd heard about was! (Not

believing in

conventional medicine, I wouldn't normally consult anything with the word

" physician " in it's title,

LOL! )

 

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20051201/2249.html

" Studies6 have suggested that St. John's wort acts via inhibition of the

reuptake of serotonin,

dopamine, and noradrenaline, along with activation of gamma-aminobutyrate and

glutamate receptors.

At high dosages, hypericin is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; however, these

effects have not been

demonstrated with the consumption of St. John's wort at dosages recommended for

the treatment of

depression.7

 

" The absorption and elimination of hypericin extract have been researched in

healthy volunteers.8

After oral ingestion, plasma levels were measurable within two to three hours. A

steep cumulative

rise in plasma levels was seen during the first three days; however, a more

gradual rise continued

for several weeks. The elimination half-life was 24 to 48 hours.8.....

references:

6. Muller WE. Current St John's wort research from mode of action to clinical

efficacy. Pharmacol

Res 2003;47:101-9.

7. Thiede HM, Walper A. Inhibition of MAO and COMT by hypericum extracts and

hypericin. J Geriatr

Psychiatry Neurol 1994;7(suppl 1):S54-6.

8. Kerb R, Brockmoller J, Staffeldt B, Ploch M, Roots I. Single-dose and

steady-state

pharmacokinetics of hypericin and pseudohypericin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother

1996;40:2087-93. "

 

It gives a list of drug interactions for SJW as well. I can't make time to

search further just now

- I just know SJW works for me!

 

Interesting what you say about Magnesium and Calcium, Althea - I didn't realise

- I did up the

magnesium. Although I have been dealing with breast cancer, I decided to take

calcium (and

magnesium) because of osteoporosis to avoid taking the bisphsphenate the

oncologist wants me to be

on (alendronate).

 

Thank you also for the tart cherry idea - I have a small tart cherry tree but

the cherries have

worms in them. I wonder if it would be safe to eat them if the worms come out

when I soak them -

does anyone know?

 

Thanks again,

Blessings, val

 

Althea wrote:

> SJW acts as an SSRI (in a natural form). 5HTP is a precursor of

> serotonin. so you are doing 2 things....blocking reuptake of serotonin

> and increasing serotonin at the same time. it may lead to serotonin

> syndrome in some people which can be fatal and in lesser cases lead to

> seizure activity.

> Magnesium in a good absorbable form is GREAT for depression as is

> Omega 3 Fish Oil. In order for the body to produce adequate

> neurotransmitters you need not only the amino acid building blocks but

> also B vitamins, Vit D, Magnesium and other minerals.

> Something to consider is calcium intake. IF You are taking too much

> calcium you will be sucking up all your magnesium and not having Mg to

> synthesize proteins. that creates lower levels of NTs and magnesium

> deficiency.....which can lead to depression.

> Tart Cherry is GREAT for anxiety and its a super anti-oxidant. it also

> has trace amounts of melatonin....far less than in supplement form and

> much closer to the body's own amounts that it produces when we are

> children. (it can help you sleep like a baby!)

>

>

> , valejoie wrote:

>> St John's Wort (+/- 1000mg per day but not less) is beneficial for

> some people with mild to

>> moderate depression from what I have been told - it works

> beautifully for me - when I feel depressed

>> with no outward cause, I check my medicine box , and, sure enough, I

> have forgotten to take mine a

>> day or two days ago. The professionals don't believe me: they say

> it takes longer than a day or

>> two for the effects to show, but for me it has happened so many

> times, I am convinced.

>> You have to be careful of the sun and it is contraindicated for some

> other medications.

>> Would you be willing to et me know if you find any contraindications

> for taking it with 5 HTP ? I

>> am wondering about adding 5HTP for sleep.

>> Best, Val

>>

>>

>>> How bout St Johns suppliments? Do they work? My doctor told me

> it's like

>>> taking a low dose prozac...