In vitro inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activities and quantification of constituents in a selection of commercial Rhodiola rosea products.

CONTEXT: Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) products are popular natural remedies with a worldwide distribution. Recent studies have revealed potent CYP inhibition by R. rosea extracts both in vitro and in vivo, but information on in vitro CYP inhibition by commercial products are lacking. Variations in commercial R. rosea product quality have also been published. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the variation of in vitro CYP inhibition potential and product quality of six commercially available R. rosea products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human CYPs isolated from baculovirus-infected cell system were incubated with testosterone (CYP3A4), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6) or phenacetin (CYP1A2). Positive CYP inhibitors ketoconazole (CYP3A4), quinidine (CYP2D6) and ß-naphtoflavone (CYP1A2) were used as controls. Quantification of rosavin, rosarin, rosin, tyrosol and salidroside were used to evaluate R. rosea content. RESULTS: IC50 values ranged from 7.2-106.6 µg/mL for CYP3A4, 13.0-186.1 µg/mL for 2D6 and 10.7-116.0 µg/mL for 1A2. The tincture formulation of R. rosea was the strongest inhibitor giving the lowest IC50 values of 7.2 ± 0.7, 13 ± 1.7 and 10.7 ± 5.6 µg/mL, respectively. CYP3A4 was significantly more inhibited by the different products than CYP1A2 (p < .05). One of the six products did not contain any rosavin, rosarin or rosin and is not a R. rosea product. Constituent concentrations were not linked to enzyme inhibition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The present results show a large variation in inhibitory potential between the products. Several of the products demonstrate similar inhibition levels as the product Arctic Root already proven to inhibit CYP enzyme activity in man.

Impact of Tetrahydropalmatine on the Pharmacokinetics of Probe Drugs for CYP1A2, 2D6 and 3A Isoenzymes in Beagle Dogs.

Tetrahydropalmatine (Tet) exhibit multiple pharmacological activities and is used frequently by clinical practitioners. In this study, we evaluate the in vivo effects of single and repeated oral Tet administrations on CYP1A2, 2D6 and 3A activities in six beagle dogs in a randomized, controlled, open-label, crossover study. A cocktail approach, with dosages of the probe drugs caffeine (3.0 mg/kg), metoprolol (2.33 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.45 mg/kg), was used to measure cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolic activities. The cocktail was administered orally as a single dose (12 mg/kg) 1 day prior to and 4 days after repeated oral Tet administrations (12 mg/kg three times daily). The probe drugs and their metabolites in plasma were quantified simultaneously by a validated HPLC technique, and non-compartmental parameters were used to evaluate metabolic variables for assessment of CYP inhibition or induction. Tet had no or minor impact on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the probe drugs caffeine and metoprolol, CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 substrates, respectively. However, Tet increased AUC0-24 h and decreased AUCratio(0-24 h) (1-hydroxymidazolam/midazolam ratio) for midazolam statistically significant, both in single or multiple dosing of Tet, with up to 39 or 57% increase for AUC0-24 h and 29% or 22 decrease for AUCratio(0-24 h), respectively, in line with previous in vitro findings for its CYP3A4 inhibition. The extensive use of Tet and herbal medicines containing Tet makes Tet a candidate for further evaluation of CYP3A-mediated herb-drug interactions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of commercial Rhodiola rosea on CYP enzyme activity in humans.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the herbal drug Rhodiola rosea on the activity of the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 in humans. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over study, 13 healthy volunteers were given a cocktail with single doses of the CYP substrates caffeine (CYP1A2), losartan (CYP2C9), omeprazole (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), and midazolam (CYP3A4) with and without 14 days of pretreatment with a commercially available R. rosea product (Arctic Root, produced by the Swedish Herbal Institute). Four hours after intake of the drug cocktail, a blood sample was obtained, the serum concentrations of the drugs and their metabolites were analyzed, and the metabolic ratios were calculated as a measure of CYP enzyme activity. RESULTS: A statistically significant 21% decrease in the EXP-3174/losartan ratio was found after pretreatment with R. rosea (p = 0.023), indicating a reduced CYP2C9 metabolic activity. The effect was more pronounced in CYP2C9 extensive metabolizers than in CYP2C9 intermediate and poor metabolizers. For the other CYP enzymes tested, no significant effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that R. rosea inhibits the metabolic capacity of CYP2C9 in humans. Although the effect is modest, it might be clinically relevant during treatment with CYP2C9 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, such as phenytoin and warfarin.

Inhibitory Mechanisms of Human CYPs by Three Alkaloids Isolated from Traditional Chinese Herbs.

The three purified herbal compounds tetrahydropalmatine (Tet), neferine and berberine (Ber) were explored in vitro for basic inhibition mechanisms towards recombinant human CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 metabolic activities. Phenacetin, dextromethorphan and testosterone, respectively, were used as CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrates, and their metabolites were determined by validated HPLC methodologies. Positive inhibition controls were used. Mechanism-based (irreversible) inhibition was assessed by time-dependent and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent and reversible inhibition by Lineweaver-Burk plot assessments. Inhibition mechanisms were also assessed by computerized interaction prediction by using the Discovery Studio CDOCKER software (Accelrys, San Diego, CA, USA). Tetrahydropalmatine showed a mechanism-based inhibition of both CYP1A2 and CYP2D6, and Ber of CYP2D6. Neferine and Ber both showed a nonmechanistic inhibition of CYP1A2. All compounds showed a similar and significant mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4. Tetrahydropalmatine and Ber demonstrated both reversible and irreversible inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. Tetrahydropalmatine and Ber displayed H-bond and several Pi-bond connections with specific amino acid residues of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, giving further knowledge to the identified reversible and irreversible herb-drug interactions. Tetrahydropalmatine and Ber should be considered for herb-drug interactions in clinical therapy until relevant clinical studies are available.

Fennel and raspberry leaf as possible inhibitors of acetaminophen oxidation.

In addition to CYP2E1, several CYP isoenzymes, notably CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4, are suggested to contribute in acetaminophen oxidation and formation of the hepatotoxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). The in vitro CYP2E1 inhibitory potentials of fennel and raspberry leaf, herbs previously found to inhibit CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 activities in vitro, were investigated. Extracts from commercially available herbal products were incubated with recombinant cDNA-expressed human CYP2E1. A validated LC/MS/MS methodology was applied for determination of 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone formation with disulfiram used as a positive inhibitory control. CYP2E1 IC50 inhibition constants were found to be 23 ± 4 and 27 ± 5 µg/ml for fennel and raspberry leaf, respectively, constants significantly lower than those presented in the literature for other herbal extracts. Together with previous findings, the presented in vitro data for CYP2E1 inhibition suggest that fennel and raspberry leaf have a significant potential of inhibiting all the major metabolic pathways for acetaminophen oxidation and NAPQI formation. Both herbs should be further investigated for their in vivo ability of inhibiting acetaminophen oxidation and NAPQI formation.

In vitro inhibition of human CYP1A2, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 by six herbs commonly used in pregnancy.

Black elderberry, cranberry, fennel, ginger, horsetail, and raspberry leaf, herbs frequently used in pregnancy, were investigated for their in vitro CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 inhibitory potential. Aqueous or ethanolic extracts were made from commercially available herbal products, and incubations were performed with recombinant cDNA-expressed human CYP enzymes in the presence of positive inhibitory controls. Metabolite formation was determined by validated LCMS/MS or HPLC methodologies. IC50 inhibition constants were estimated from CYP activity inhibition plots using non-linear regression. The most potent inhibition was shown for fennel towards CYP2D6 and 3A4 with respective IC50 constants of 23 ± 2 and 40 ± 4 µg/ml, horsetail towards CYP1A2 with an IC50 constant of 27 ± 1 µg/ml, and raspberry leaf towards CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 with IC50 constants of 44 ± 2, 47 ± 8, and 81 ± 11 µg/ml, respectively. Based on the recommended dosing of the different commercial herbal products, clinically relevant systemic CYP inhibitions could be possible for fennel, horsetail, and raspberry leaf. In addition, fennel and raspberry leaf might cause a clinically relevant inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4. The in vivo inhibitory potential of these herbs towards specific CYP enzymes should be further investigated.

The co-use of conventional drugs and herbs among patients in Norwegian general practice: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Different patient groups are known to use herbal remedies and conventional drugs concomitantly (co-use). This poses a potential risk of herb-drug interaction through altering the drug's pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Little is known about co-use among patients in general practice. The primary aim of this study was to compare patients in general practice that co-use herbal remedies and conventional drugs with those who do not. The secondary aim was to register the herb-drug combinations with potential clinical relevant interactions among the co-users. METHOD: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study conducted in the autumn 2011 in a general practice office with four general practitioners (GPs) and one intern in Western Norway. Adults >18 years who came for an office visit were invited. The questionnaire asked about demographics, herbal use, conventional drug use and communication about herbal use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare co-users to the other patients. RESULTS: Of the 381 patients who completed the questionnaire, the prevalence of herbal use was 44%, with bilberry (41%), green tea (31%), garlic (27%), Aloe vera (26%) and echinacea (18%) as the most frequently used. Among those using conventional drugs regularly, 108 (45%) co-used herbs. Close to 40% of patients on anticoagulants co-used herbs, with garlic and bilberry as the most frequent herbs. Compared to all other patients, co-users had significantly (p < 0.05) increased odds to be female (adjOR 2.0), age above 70 years (adjOR 3.3), use herbs to treat an illness (adjOR 4.2), use two or more herbs (polyherbacy, adjOR 12.1) and having experienced adverse effects of herbal use (adjOR 37.5). Co-use was also associated with use of analgesics or dermatological drugs (adjOR 5.1 and 7.9 respectively). Three out of four patients did not discuss herbal use with any health care professional. CONCLUSION: A sizable proportion of the GP patients co-used herbs with conventional drugs, also combinations with reported interaction potential or additive effects like anticoagulants and garlic. The low disclosure of herbal use to their GP, polyherbacy and the risk of interactions in vulnerable groups like elderly and chronically ill patients, warrant increased awareness among GPs.

In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 by the multiherbal commercial product Sambucus Force and its main constituents Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra.

The multiherbal product Sambucus Force contains Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra as its main constituents. The aims of this study were to evaluate Sambucus Force's inhibition potential and inhibition mechanisms towards CYP3A4, and to evaluate the inhibitory co-contribution of E. purpurea and S. nigra. Metabolic studies were performed with recombinant human CYP3A4, with testosterone as substrate. Sambucus Force inhibited CYP3A4 activity with a mean (95% confidence interval) half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50) ) value of 1192 (1091-1302) µg/mL. The inhibitory potency seems exclusively to be exerted by E. purpurea, implicating an insignificant inhibition by S. nigra. The inhibition by E. purpurea as a single herb was in agreement with mechanism-based inhibition with heterotropic positive cooperative effects. Echinacea purpurea acted differently in the multiherbal product, which showed a dual inhibition profile with both an uncompetitive (substrate-dependent) inhibition and a time-dependent (substrate-independent) inhibitory mechanism. These mechanistic differences are suggested to be caused by herb-herb interactions in the multiherbal product. The CYP3A4 inhibition of Sambucus Force in vitro is considered relatively weak, but recommended high herbal dosages might enhance the potential for clinical interactions.

Aloe vera juice: IC50 and dual mechanistic inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory potency (IC50 values) of ethanol extracts of two commercially available aloe vera juice (AVJ) products, on CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 activities in vitro and to determine if such inhibitions could be mechanism-based. Recombinant human CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes were used and the activities were expressed by the metabolism of testosterone and dextromethorphan with ketoconazole and quinidine as positive inhibitor controls, respectively. The formed metabolites were quantified by validated HPLC techniques. Time- and NADPH- dependent inhibition assays were performed to evaluate a possible mechanism-based inhibition. One of the AVJ extracts showed about twice the inhibitory potency towards both CYP enzymes over the other with IC50 values of 8.35 ± 0.72 and 12.5 ± 2.1 mg/mL for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, respectively. The AVJ was found to exert both CYP mediated and non-CYP mediated inhibition of both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. This dual mechanistic inhibition, however, seems to be governed by different mechanisms for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Estimated IC50 inhibition values indicate no major interference of AVJ with drug metabolism in man, but the dual mechanistic inhibition of both enzymes might be of clinical significance.

The in vitro inhibition of human CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 by tetrahydropalmatine, neferine and berberine.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro inhibition potential of the three purified herbal constituents tetrahydropalmatine (Tet), neferine (Nef) and berberine (Ber) towards recombinant human CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 metabolic activities. In vitro incubations were performed with phenacetin, dextromethorphan and testosterone, respectively, as CYP substrates and their metabolites were determined by validated HPLC methods. Positive control inhibitors were run for each CYP in all incubation series. Inhibition was expressed by IC50 values. All herbal constituents demonstrated some, but variable, inhibition potencies towards the investigated CYP enzymes. CYP2D6 was the most sensitive for inhibition and then mainly by Tet and Ber with IC50 values of 3.04 ± 0.26 µM and 7.40 ± 0.36 µM, respectively. CYP3A4 and especially CYP1A2 were inhibited to a much smaller extent by all constituents. Neferine showed the lowest overall interaction potential towards the CYP enzymes investigated. The CYP inhibition potential for the purified constituents could be related to their chemical structures. No clinical significant metabolic interaction seems likely to occur between the CYP enzymes and herbal constituents tested, with a possible exception for the CYP2D6 inhibition by Tet and Ber.

[Asenic accumulation following realgar administration in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore arsenic accumulation and toxicity mechanism following long-term use of realgar and provide scientific basis for safety use of realgar in clinic. METHOD: The realgar which was used in the study contains 90% insoluble asenic sulfide (As2S2) and 1.696 mg x kg(-1) soluble arsenic. Two separate experiments were performed: 1) Twenty-eight fasting SD rats were orally given a single dose of realgar at the dose of 0.8 g x kg(-1) and the other four rats were given ultra-filtrated water served as control group. Blood, hearts, livers, kidneys, lungs and brains of four rats were taken out at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 36 h respectively after treatment. Asenic quantity of each organ or blood sample was measured. 2) Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group and realgar 0.02, 0.08, 0.16 g x kg(-1) groups, each group containing 5 females and 5 males. The rats were intra-gastrically treated with realgar once a day for successively 90 days, while the control group was given ultra-filtrated water. Asenic amount in blood, liver, kidney and brain of each rat was measured in fasting rats at 16 h after last dosing. RESULT: Asenic amount of blood, liver, kidney, heart, lung and brain increased after single dosing of realgar at dose of 0.16 g x kg(-1), with the order from high to low blood > kidney > lung > liver > heart > brain. Asenic amount was much higher in blood than that in other organs. The feature of asenic distribution in blood following realgar administration may be the basis for its use for leukemia Ninety-day oral treatment of realgar led to significant accumulation of asenic in blood, kidney, liver and brain. The highest asenic accumulation times was found in kidney followed by liver, which was assumed to be associated with nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of realgar. The highest amount of asenic was observed in blood after 90 day's administration of realgar, and the amount of asenic in organs was in the order of blood > kidney > liver > brain. CONCLUSION: Asenic can be absorbed and extensively distributed in various organs or tissesses after realgar administration in rats. Long-term use of realgar caused high asenic accumulation in various tissueses, including blood, kidney, liver, and brain. The nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity of realgar could be associated with the asenic accumulation in relative organs. Blood is the target of the most highest distribution and accamulation of asenic after realgar treatment, that could be associated with the efficacy of realgar on the treatment of leakemia.

[Toxicity study of realgar].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity of realgar and provide the scientific basis for safety use of realgar in clinic. METHOD: Acute toxicity was tested by single oral administration. Chronic toxicity of realgar was tested at different dose levels (5, 10, 20, 80, 160 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) which correspond to 1/2, 1, 2, 8, 16 times of human dose levels. The rats were treated with the test substances through oral administration once daily for successively 90 days. Urinary qualitative test, blood routine examination, serum chemistry measurement, and histomorphologic observation were conducted at day 30, 60 and 90. Toxic changes related to the treatment of realgar and no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was evaluated. RESULT: With the content of 90% total arsenic and 1.696 mg x g(-1) soluble asenic, LD50 of Realgar with oral administration was 20.5 g x kg(-1) (corresponding to 34.8 mg x kg(-1) soluble arsenic), equivalent to 12 812 times of clinical daily dose for an adult. Realgar can cause kidney toxicity or/and liver toxicity after administration for over 30, 60 or 90 days respectively. The kidney was more sensitive to realgar than liver. Based on repeated dose toxicity study, NOAELs were 160 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 30 day's administration, 20 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 60 day's administration, 10 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 90 day's administration respectively. Thus, for safety use of realgar, it is recommended that the daily doses of realgar (with soluble arsenic < or = 1.7 mg x g(-1)) for an adult of the body weight about 60 kg could be 10-160 mg depending on the variation of the treatment duration. CONCLUSION: Long term use of realgar can cause kidney and liver pathological change, so the doses and administration duration should be limited. The suggestion is as follows: realgar which contains soluble arsenic < or = 1.7 mg x g(-1) should be used less than 2 weeks at daily dose 160 mg, less than 4 weeks at the dose of 20 mg and less than 6 weeks at the dose of 10 mg.

[Toxicity of monocrotaline on in vitro cultured mouse embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the fetotoxicity of monocrotaline. METHOD: Mouse whole embryo culture (WEC) was applied. Post-implantation (8.5 d) mouse embryos were isolated from their mothers and put into the medium of immediately centrifuged serum (ICS) prepared from rats. Different concentrations of monocrotaline (100, 50, 25, 12.5 mg x L(-1)) were added into the WEC. Development (yolk sac diameter, crown-rump length, head length, somite number) and organic morphodifferentiation (yolk sac circulation, allantois, embryonic flexion, heart, brain, optic-otic-olfactory organ, branchial arch, maxillary, mandible, bud) of embryos were observed at 48 h after treatment. RESULT: Obvious fetotoxicity could be observed in various monocrotaline treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. Development of embryos was delayed significantly at dose 12.5-100 mg x L(-1). Malformations were shown in all organic morphodifferentiation indice, especially in opti-otic organ, mandible and bud. CONCLUSION: Monocrotaline had obvious fetotoxicity in vitro WEC, indicating that exposure of pregnant mice to monocrotaline may have potential risk on fetus.

Displacement of bilirubin from albumin in plasma from jaundiced newborns. An in vitro study of purified Chinese herbal constituents and sulfisoxazole.

The aim of the present study was to clarify the in vitro potential of the purified Chinese herbal constituents LZX-A (neferine), QTJ (sinomenine), YHS (tetrahydropalmitine) and SQZG (notoginsenoside R1) to displace the highly bound bilirubin from albumin binding sites in plasma from jaundiced newborn infants. Sulfisoxazole (1.32 mM) was used as a positive control for bilirubin displacement. The displacing potential of the herbal constituents was investigated at assumed therapeutic concentrations and up to 100 times higher. Total (TB) and unbound (UB) bilirubin in plasma were measured by the peroxidase method. Sulfisoxazole increased the UB concentration in plasma by more than 60%. An increased % displacement of bilirubin was found at higher TB levels confirming the presence also of lower affinity binding sites for bilirubin in plasma. None of the purified herbal constituents showed any bilirubin displacing properties and were unaffected by the level of TB in plasma. The combination of sulfisoxazole and the herbal constituents showed no synergistic effect. It is concluded that none of the investigated purified herbal constituents possess any significant potential in vitro to increase the UB concentration in plasma from jaundiced newborn infants.

[Interaction between four herb compounds and a western drug by CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the interaction between herbal medicines and western drugs based on CYP3A4 enzyme metabolism by using testotesrone as a probe in liver microsome metabolism system in vitro. METHOD: The mixed liver microsome enzymatic system consisting of rat liver microsomes by ultra-high-speed centrifuge was established. The substrate testosterone was added into the system and enzyme CYP3A4 metabolic activity was expressed by the output of 6beta-hydroxy-testosterone which was measured by HPLC method. The proper conditions for testotesrone metabolism in liver microsome system included substrate concentration, incubation time, pH and incubation temperature. When the conditions in vitro were determined, three kinds of Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients (Tetrahydropalmatine, neferine, panax notoginseng saponins) were diluted into different concentrations and incubated with testotesrone in the liver microsomes incubation system, respectively. The results were measured through metabolite production with or without the presence of Chinese medicines. We assessed the Chinese herbal medicinal ingredients effect on the metabolism of CYP3A4 enzyme through 6beta-hydroxy metabolite of testosterone production. RESULT: Liver microsomes were incubated in the system, the testosterone metabolited into 6beta-hydroxy testosterone. The metabolism conditions were proper at the concentration of testosterone 200 micromol x L(-1) which was incubated for 3.5 hours at 37 degrees C in pH 7.0, PBS 0.1 mol x L(-1). The inhibition of tetrahydropalmatine and panax notoginseng saponins on testotesrone were weak with IC50 > 100 micromol x L(-1). The neferine had a little inhibition on testotesrone metabolism, IC50 < 100 micromol L(-1). CONCLUSION: Tetrahydropalmatine and panax notoginseng saponins had no obvious effect on testotesrone metabolism. Neferine had a little effect on testotesrone metabolism. It prompted that drug-interaction could not be apparent between two kinds of Chinese medicines and the CYP3A4 enzyme substrate, Neferine could bring about drug-interaction.

Trade herbal products and induction of CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 in cultured human hepatocytes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the dose-dependent induction potential of six commonly used trade herbal products on CYP2C19 and CYP2E1 metabolic activities in cultured human hepatocytes. S-mephenytoin and chlorzoxazone were used as specific CYP substrates, respectively, and rifampicin was used as a positive induction control for both enzymes. The hepatocytes were exposed to herbal extracts in increasing and biological relevant concentrations for 72 hrs and CYP substrate metabolites were quantified by validated HPLC methodologies. The major findings were that St John's wort was the most potent CYP-modulating herb, showing a dose-dependent induction/inhibition of both CYP2C19 and CYP2E1, with induction at low dosages and inhibition at higher. Ginkgo biloba showed an induction/inhibition profile towards CYP2C19 which was similar but weaker than that observed for St John's wort. If cooperative mechanisms are involved is still an open question. Common sage induced CYP2C19 in a log-linear dose-dependent manner with increasing concentrations. Common valerian was a weak inducer of CYP2C19, while horse chestnut and cone flower were characterized as non-inducers of CYP2C19. Only St John's wort showed an inductive effect towards CYP2E1. In addition to St John's wort, Gingko biloba and common sage should be considered as possible candidates for clinically relevant drug-herb interactions with selected CYP2C19 substrates.

In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 by herbal remedies frequently used by cancer patients.

The herbal remedies Natto K2, Agaricus, mistletoe, noni juice, green tea and garlic, frequently used by cancer patients, were investigated for their in vitro inhibition potential of cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4) metabolism. To our knowledge, only garlic and green tea had available data on the possible inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism. Metabolic studies were performed with human c-DNA baculovirus expressed CYP3A4. Testosterone was used as a substrate and ketoconazole as a positive quantitative inhibition control. The formation of 6-beta-OH-testosterone was quantified by a validated HPLC methodology. Green tea was the most potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 metabolism (IC(50): 73 microg/mL), followed by Agaricus, mistletoe and noni juice (1324, 3594, >10 000 microg/mL, respectively). All IC(50) values were high compared with those determined for crude extracts of other herbal remedies. The IC(50)/IC(25) ratios for the inhibiting herbal remedies ranged from 2.15 to 2.67, indicating similar inhibition profiles of the herbal inhibitors of CYP3A4. Garlic and Natto K2 were classified as non-inhibitors. Although Agaricus, noni juice, mistletoe and green tea inhibited CYP3A4 metabolism in vitro, clinically relevant systemic or intestinal interactions with CYP3A4 were considered unlikely, except for a probable inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 by the green tea product.

Identification and exploration of herb-drug combinations used by cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: This survey aims to identify herb-chemotherapeutic drug combinations in a defined group of cancer patients and to explore possible clinical consequences of these combinations. METHODS: Herb-chemotherapeutic drug combinations were identified among adult cancer patients, and clinical consequences of the combinations were explored by literature searches in medical databases on possible mutual effects on similar cytochrome P-450 metabolising enzymes (CYPs) and/or the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. RESULTS: Among 42 cancer patients using herbal remedies concurrently with chemotherapy, 136 two-agent herb-drug combinations were registered and 47 different potential herb-drug interactions were identified on the level of CYP metabolism and P-gp transport in vitro. Garlic, ginger, green tea and noni juice were the herbal remedies most frequently used in such combinations. For 48 % of the herbal remedies identified no literature data exist on their interaction potentials. Clinical studies were available for four herbal remedies only. Minor clinical potential for CYP interactions in humans was indicated for green tea and Echinacea. P-gp interactions were only investigated for garlic, which showed a significant interaction potential both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: The large number of in vitro potential herb-drug interactions identified urge for more clinical pharmacokinetic interaction studies in humans.

Echinacea purpurea and P-glycoprotein drug transport in Caco-2 cells.

Echinacea is widely used as a medical herbal product, but its interaction potential with the drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has not yet been evaluated. The interaction potential of Echinacea purpurea towards P-gp mediated drug transport was studied in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Digoxin (30 nm) was used as a substrate and verapamil as a control inhibitor. Ethanol, 0.8%, needed for herbal extraction and compatibility with the commercial products, inhibited the net digoxin flux by 18%. E. purpurea influenced to a higher degree the B-A transport of digoxin than the A-B transport. A minor increase in net digoxin flux was observed at low concentrations of E. purpurea, an effect anticipated to be allosteric in nature. At higher concentrations, from 0.4 to 6.36 mg dry weight/mL, a statistically significant linear dose-related decrease was observed in the net digoxin flux, indicating a dose dependent E. purpurea inhibition of P-gp. Both Vmax and Km of the net digoxin flux, calculated to 23.7 nmol/cm2/h and 385 microm, respectively, decreased in the presence of E. purpurea in an uncompetitive fashion. Although the effects of Echinacea purpurea on systemic P-gp mediated drug transport are probably limited, an influence on drug bioavailability can not be excluded.

Caco-2 cell methodology and inhibition of the P-glycoprotein transport of digoxin by Aloe vera juice.

The aims of this study were to carry out a thorough quality control setup for essential Caco-2 cell characteristics in P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition studies and to explore if Aloe vera juice (AVJ) inhibits the bidirectional transport of the P-gp substrate digoxin (30 nm). Seven AVJ concentrations (0.00001-1.0 mg/mL), anticipated to cover a clinically relevant range, were tested and digoxin apparent permeability coefficients (Papp), net Papp values (Papp(Net)) and net flux values (J(Net)) were calculated. Relevant validation parameters for P-gp inhibition studies in Caco-2 cells are suggested to include, as a minimum, an assay linearity test with and without a known P-gp inhibitor, cell cytotoxicity testing (MTT-test) for substrates and inhibitors, and cell integrity testing by TEER and mannitol transport measurements. The question is also raised whether a minimum effect of a reference P-gp inhibitor as verapamil should be demanded. Cell cytotoxicity was seen for digoxin at concentrations >or=3 microM and for AVJ at 10 mg/mL. AVJ did not inhibit the P-gp transport of digoxin in any of the concentrations tested. This indicates that AVJ is no inhibitor of the P-gp mediated transport of digoxin in vitro if AVJ is present in clinically relevant concentrations.