PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF HYPERICUM-PE RFORATUM L IN ANIMALS

The activity of hypericum extracts in short-term experiments was teste d in rats and mice. A lyophilised extract with an hypericin content of 0.015% was used as weil as the same extract without hypericin. The ex tracts were applicated in solution (20 % 1.2-propandiol, 20% ethanol 9 6%, 40% glycerol, 15% H2O) or as a suspension in H2O per os by gavage. Hypericum extract without hypericin in solution caused a distinct inc rease in dopamine content 4 h after gavage. The suspension of the same preparation caused also a dopamine increase. In addition a pronounced increase in 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid was observed, indicating a proc eeding serotonine increase. Reserpine effects were antagonized in part . The duration of narcotic effect of ketanest was reduced clearly by h ypericum indicating a central stimulating effect of the drug.