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Research: SCHEMPP and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 64
Abstract
SCHEMPP and colleagues, Department of Dermatology, Photodermatology Unit, University Medical Center, Haupstr. 7, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany investigated immunomodulatory properties of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) ointment, and the Hypericum metabolite hyperforin, in vitro and in vivo, and compared the effects with the immunosuppressive effects of solar-simulated radiation (SSR) .
Background
St John's wort is a traditional herbal medicine used for the topical treatment of superficial wounds, burns and dermatitis . The characteristic metabolites of St John's wort are the photodynamic active plant pigment hypericin and the phloroglucin-derivative hyperforin .
Methodology
The researchers compared the alloantigen-presenting function of human epidermal cells (EC) exposed to Hypericum ointment or SSR in vivo in a mixed EC lymphocyte reaction (MECLR) . Purified hyperforin was also tested in vivo and in vitro in an MECLR, to assess whether it contributed to the effect of the Hypericum ointment. The effects of hyperforin on the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro were also assessed.
Results
Hypericum ointment or SSR resulted in significant suppression of the MECLR (p0.001) compared to untreated skin, and the effects of Hypericum ointment and SSR were similar. Combined Hypericum ointment plus SSR was not significantly different from either treatment alone. EC isolated from skin treated with the hyperforin-containing ointment showed a reduced capacity to stimulate proliferation of allogeneic T cells (p0.001). Similarly, EC incubated in vitro with hyperforin showed reduced ability to stimulate alloreactive T cell proliferation (p0.001). Hyperforin dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of PBMC, as determined by Trypan blue staining.
Conclusion
Hypericum extract and its metabolite hyperforin have an inhibitory effect on the MECLR and on the proliferation of T lymphocytes . These results may provide a rationale for the traditional use of Hypericum extracts to treat inflammatory skin disorders .
References
Schempp CM et al. Topical application of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) and of its metabolite hyperforin inhibits the allostimulatory capacity of epidermal cells. The British Journal of Dermatology 142 (5): 979-84. May 2000.
