| Natural Medicines |
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Results of research on natural medicines
Let's look at some of the alternate medicines that
are on the market (or are about to be released)
in Australia and some of the research already existing
about them.
St John's Wort.
Extracts from the plant known as St John's Wort
has been used since the Middle Ages and have been
promoted for a wide range of problems including
mood changes, sleep problems, reduced libido, cancer
and arthritis.
A recent analysis of reputable trials on St John's
Wort for mood disorders concluded:
There is evidence that extracts of hypericum
(St John's Wort) are more effective than placebo
(that is a person being given a tablet with the
SAME appearance as the hypericum but with NO active
drug in the tablet at all). This effectiveness has
been shown in the short-term treatment of mild to
moderately severe depressive disorders. The current
evidence is inadequate to establish whether hypericum
is AS effective as other antidepressants.
The amount of hypericum (the active ingredient)
in available tablets varies, and it is often not
possible to tell how the ingredients are produced
or extracted from the plant. The dosage taken
may vary markedly from one brand to another.
Hypericum may be a safe and effective treatment
for mild to moderate depression, with few significant
side-effects (mostly nausea and other gastrointestinal
effects, skin itching, fatigue, restlessness and
light sensitivity). Benefits in more severe depressive
disorders have not been proven. Seeking advice
from a doctor or other health professional is
still the most important first step in addressing
a depressive illness.
Important and potentially dangerous interactions
can occur with:
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oral contraceptives (the
Pill) |
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warfarin (for blood clots) |
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digoxin (heart failure
tablets) |
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antiepileptic drugs |
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some preparations for
migraine. |
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antidepressant drugs |
Speak to your doctor if you are taking any natural
medicines as well as prescribed medicines.
SAM-e.
Magazines carry advertisements for SAM-e (S-adenosyl
methionine), but its role in treatment of depression
is unclear. There have been a few studies that
show an increase of this substance in the blood
of people successfully treated for depression
by various means, suggesting it may have a role
in changing or improving mood.
Melatonin.
This is a hormone released by the pineal gland
in the brain in response to darkness or dim light.
Research is investigating its effect on sleep
rhythms in people with depression. There are some
studies that suggest melatonin could have significant
side-effects in people with epilepsy and those
taking warfarin.
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