Hypericum & Depression


Book Description

Provides information about the plant hypericum, Nature's Prozac, also known as St John's Wort, which has been medically proven to be the natural way to treat depression. Studies have shown hypericum to be as effective as prescription antidepressants and to have fewer side effects.




St. John's Wort and its Active Principles in Depression and Anxiety


Book Description

Hypericum extract preparations are used extensively in many countries to treat mildly to moderately depressed patients. While this was based previously on traditional experience, extensive research over the last 10 years has given a broad preclinical and clinical basis to justify the use of Hypericum as an antidepressant. This book reviews the available data related to the biochemical, functional, and behavioural pharmacology of Hypericum and its active constituents. The clinical chapters overview the evidenced basis for its use as an antidepressant, initial data in anxiety and somatoform disorders, and the site effect profile of Hypericum and its possible relevant drug interactions. The known pharmacokinetics of the relevant constituents and the biopharmaceutical quality of commercially available Hypericum preparations are also discussed.




St. John's Wort


Book Description

Millions of Americans are taking prescription drugs to cope with depression. If you or a loved one suffers from depression, you will want to hear what Hyla Cass has to say. After explaining what depression is, Dr. Cass shows how the mind and body are interconnected, and how the way you feel is influenced by the biochemistry of your brain. She then discusses how St. John's Wort has been found to positively influence the brain's biochemistry in a gentle, natural way with far fewer and much milder side effects than those encountered with synthetic antidepressants.Provided here is detailed information on buying and using St. John's Wort as well as other herbs that complement its effects. Also included are case studies, a depression self-quiz, and an extensive reading list. Let this popular sourcebook help you take control of your mental health.




Hypericum


Book Description

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.




Magnesium in the Central Nervous System


Book Description

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.




Pharmacotherapy of Depression


Book Description

Comprehensive and state of the art, the second edition of Pharmacotherapy of Depression offers major revisions of every chapter and the addition of new chapters by expert contributors. The first chapter reviews the neurobiology of depression, which lays the groundwork for understanding the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. In the next chapter, a review of the general principles guiding the diagnosis and medication treatment of unipolar depression is provided. The clinical pharmacology of antidepressants is reviewed in some detail, supplemented by tables that provide information on dosing, indications, and metabolism. Augmentation strategies are reviewed, including the use of non-traditional agents. The chapters that follow next address the use of antidepressants in special populations, such as the elderly and depressed individuals with psychosis, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and post traumatic stress disorder. The complex issues involving the diagnosis and treatment of depression during pregnancy is thoroughly reviewed in Chapter 8 and provides a synthesis of the scientific literature in the area, one that is noted for contradictory and controversial findings, as well as guidelines for prescribing. The next chapter then provides an overview of the treatment of depression in the pediatric population, highlighting clinical concerns such as suicide risk. The book concludes with two chapters at the interface of medicine and psychiatry in the treatment of mood disorders: managing depression in primary care settings and depression associated with medical illnesses. The outstanding clinician-scientists who have contributed to this volume are all leaders in their fields and represent a broad spectrum of renowned institutions. A timely contribution to the literature, The Pharmacotherapy of Depression, Second Edition, offers busy clinicians from many disciplines a strong scientific foundation that seamlessly transitions into practical recommendations for clinical practice. The result is another gold-standard guide to the safe and effective use of the latest antidepressant medications.




The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Mood Disorders


Book Description

The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Mood Disorders, 2/e reflects the important and fast-changing advancements that have occurred in theory and practice in unipolar and bipolar mood disorders. There is no other current reference that gathers all of these developments together in a single book Every chapter is updated to reflect the very latest developments in theory and practice in unipolar and bipolar mood disorders Includes additional chapters which cover marital and family therapy, medical disorders and depression, and cross-cultural issues Contributions are from the world's leading authorities, and include psychiatrists and clinical psychologists with experience in both research and in practice Focuses on innovations in science and clinical practice, and considers new pharmacological treatments as well as psychological therapies




5-HTP


Book Description

5-HTP provides the most in-depth and clinically sound information yet available on this remarkable new amino acid supplement, which offers a safe, natural, less expensive alternative to prescription medications. As Dr. Murray has explained in featured appearances on ABC's "Prime Time Live" and "CBS Sunday Morning, " 5-HTP works by naturally boosting serotonin levels in the body. This is a powerful key to overcoming depression, obesity, insomnia, migraine headaches, PMS, fibromyalgia -- and other serotonin-related disorders.Dr. Murray includes numerous case histories from his own practice that show how to combine 5-HTP with other natural approaches. He also cites extensive American and European research, including double-blind studies showing that 5-HTP is highly safe and effective.




St. John's Wort and its Active Principles in Depression and Anxiety


Book Description

Hypericum extract preparations are used extensively in many countries to treat mildly to moderately depressed patients. While this was based previously on traditional experience, extensive research over the last 10 years has given a broad preclinical and clinical basis to justify the use of Hypericum as an antidepressant. This book reviews the available data related to the biochemical, functional, and behavioural pharmacology of Hypericum and its active constituents. The clinical chapters overview the evidenced basis for its use as an antidepressant, initial data in anxiety and somatoform disorders, and the site effect profile of Hypericum and its possible relevant drug interactions. The known pharmacokinetics of the relevant constituents and the biopharmaceutical quality of commercially available Hypericum preparations are also discussed.




Secrets of St. John's Wort


Book Description

Learn more about "nature's Prozac" If you have mild to moderate depression and don't want the unpleasant side-effects or hug price tag of prescription antidepressants, St. John's wort could be just what you're looking for! It has been used for thousands of years throughout Europe, but Americans are just finding out about the miraculous healing powers of St. John's wort. Also known as Hypericum, this simple flowering herb has been proven to work as well as-and sometimes even better than-prescription antidepressants. In Secrets of St. John's Wort, you'll learn how Hypericum can be used in its various forms to elevate your mood and improve overall health. This easy-to-use, step-by-step program also shows you: -How to tell if you're a candidate for St. John's wort -How it works in the body and what to expect from it -Where to find good quality St. Johns' wort, including mail order sources -A comparison with Prozac and other medications -Detailed instructions of dosage and frequency for optimum results Discover the amazing natural antidepressant-discover the Secrets of St. John's Wort.