Clinical assessment of effects of botanical supplementation on cytochrome P450 phenotypes in the elderly: St John's wort, garlic oil, Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba
Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, Williams DK
Published in Drugs & Aging
Methodology
Randomized sequential supplementation study in healthy elderly volunteers (60-76 years); each botanical for 28 days with 30-day washout; probe cocktail of midazolam, caffeine, chlorzoxazone and debrisoquine for CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 phenotyping
Key Findings
St John's wort significantly induced CYP3A4 phenotypic activity in elderly subjects, whereas garlic oil, Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba produced no clinically relevant changes in CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4.
Conclusions
Only St John's wort among the tested botanicals meaningfully alters phase I CYP activity; most common botanicals do not.
Limitations
Small sample (n=12), phenotypic ratios at single timepoints, elderly-only population.
Supplements Studied
Phytochemical-mediated modulation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity may underlie many herb-drug interactions.
Outcomes Measured
Twelve healthy volunteers between the ages of 60 and 76 years (mean age 67 years) were randomly assigned to receive each botanical supplement for 28 days followed by a 30-day washout period.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
NIH and non-commercial support
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.