Hypericum: The genus Hypericum

by Edzard Ernst (Editor)

Overview

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the best-selling herbal medicines in the world. For that reason, research into all aspects of St. John's wort continues to intensify. Hypericum: The Genus Hypericum summarizes the current knowledge on a wide range of issues, such as botany, plant infections, cultivation, manufacturing, standardization, quality control, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical application. This landmark book tackles issues not previously addressed, such as selection of the pharmacologically active compounds, application for severe depression, mechanisms of action, long-term effects and risks, marketing issues (dietary supplements or drugs), and comparison to synthetic drugs for the same indications. Containing many updated references, Hypericum will be of immense value to those involved in industry and academia alike, including researchers, producers, processors, importers and end users.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415369541
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/23/2003
Series:	Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles Series , #31
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Edzard Ernst

Table of Contents

Hypericum Botany. Colletotrichum Gloeosporiodes as the Cause of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Dieback in Switzerland and Breeding for a Tolerant Variety. A Virus Causing Yellow Veins and Necrotic Leaf Spot of St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Manufacturing Standardisation and Characterisation of St John's Wort Herb Extracts. Culture and Biotechnology of Hypericum. Chemical Constituents of Hypericum ssp. Determination of Hybericins and Hyperforin in Herbal Medicinal Products. Secondary Metabolites Content of Hypericum sp. in Different Stages and Plant Parts. Herbal Medicinal Products of St John's Wort: Manufacturing and Quality Control. The Potential of in vitro Cultures of Hypericum perforatum and of Hypericum androsaemum to Produce Interesting Pharmaceutical Compounds. The Clinical Pharmacology of Hypericum perforatum. Hypericin as a Potential Antitumor Agent. Neuropsychopharmacological Studies on Indian Hypericum perforatum Linn. The Efficacy and Safety of Hypericum in the Treatment of Depression.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Stata Norton, PhD (University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: The best known species of the genus Hypericum is St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum, a component of some herbal medicines. This book provides a summary of current knowledge on the clinical pharmacology, biochemistry, and cultivation of this plant species. Related species are also discussed in a chapter on the botany of the genus.
Purpose: This book is one of a series, each volume covering one genus of plants. The stated purpose is to provide industry and academia with in-depth coverage of a major medicinal or aromatic plant species of industrial importance. St. John's wort is well known as an herbal medicine and the annual sales, stated to be around $200 million in the United States alone, suggest the importance of the plant and the need for continued study of the uses and methods of production.
Audience: The audience for this book may be anyone with a serious interest in the medicinal uses of St. John's wort. However, the book is directed primarily to persons involved in scientific research on the biochemistry of Hypericum and in the commercial production of the plant. Individual chapters are authored by various experts from universities, pharmaceutical institutes, and commercial companies.
Features: The genus Hypericum contains about 450 species of trees, shrubs and herbs in temperate climates. Glandular secretion in the leaves is characteristic of the genus. Currently St. John's wort is used in herbal medicines for antiviral, vulnerary and antidepressant effects. The chemical constituents of St. John's wort and related species are discussed thoroughly in this volume, with emphasis on hypericin and hyperforin, which are proposed as active principles in the plant. Other components, including flavonoids, bioflavonoids, xanthones, tannins, and amino acids (such as gamma amino butyric acid) may contribute to the activity. Methods of horticulture, methods for optimizing manufacturing conditions for the herbal extract and quality assurance programs are discussed. A review of the clinical evaluations carried out so far on extracts of St. John's wort in treating depression concludes the book.
Assessment: This book is an up-to-date evaluation of uses and production of medicinal products from Hypericum perforatum and allied species. Each chapter is well referenced. Over 20 individuals have contributed to the chapters, ensuring a wide range of expert opinions. As a review of the literature it is a valuable contribution.

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