Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 16, 04/20/2010

Question

What is the mechanism by which St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) causes a significant decrease in cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune) concentrations?

Answer

As noted in the previous Natural Medicine's newsletter publication, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is known to significantly decrease the blood concentrations of the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine, thereby increasing the risk for rejection in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation.^1-4 As a quick review, several pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the coadministration of St. John's wort along with cyclosporine in patients with renal transplantation can result in a reduction in the concentrations of cyclosporine by... 

There is a figure with this newsletter that helps to explain....

......To read the full answer please LOGIN or SUBSCRIBE NOW.