Hypericin
Hypericin
Hypericin (pronounced: hi-PE-ri-sin) is a naturally occurring compound found in the flowering plant genus Hypericum, commonly known as St. John's wort. It is a naphthodianthrone, a type of anthraquinone with a large polycyclic aromatic system. This compound is known for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders.
Etymology
The term "Hypericin" is derived from the genus name Hypericum in which it is found. Hypericum is a Greek word, with "hyper" meaning "above" and "eikon" meaning "picture", referring to the plant's traditional use to ward off evil by hanging plants over a religious icon in the house during St John's day.
Related Terms
- Hyperforin: Another compound found in St. John's wort, often studied alongside hypericin for its potential therapeutic effects.
- Anthraquinone: A type of quinone compound that hypericin is derived from.
- Photodynamic therapy: A type of therapy that uses light-sensitive compounds like hypericin to treat certain medical conditions.
- Depression: A common mental health disorder that hypericin is often used to treat.
Uses
Hypericin is most commonly used in the treatment of depression. It is believed to work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This can help to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
In addition to its potential antidepressant effects, hypericin is also being studied for its potential use in photodynamic therapy. This involves using light to activate the hypericin, which can then produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to certain types of cells. This has potential applications in the treatment of conditions like cancer and viral infections.
Side Effects
Like all medications, hypericin can have side effects. These can include sensitivity to sunlight, dry mouth, dizziness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also interact with other medications, so it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting treatment with hypericin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypericin
- Wikipedia's article - Hypericin
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski