The Putative Antidiabetic Effect of Hypericum perforatum on Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a global disease that significantly impacts public health, has become increasingly common over time. In this review, we aim to determine the potential benefits of St. John's Wort (SJW) as an adjunct therapy for DM. We gathered information from studies conducted in vitro, in vivo, and in humans. In vitro studies investigated the concentrations of SJW extracts capable of inhibiting certain enzymes or factors involved in the inflammatory pathway, such as the β-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, nuclear factor κB, methylglyoxal, and oxidative stress (OS). The extract was found to have positive effects on OS and anti-inflammatory properties in DM, suggesting it could serve as a protective agent against diabetic vascular complications, cell damage, and apoptosis. According to in vivo research, the essential components of the extract can stimulate thermogenesis in adipose tissue, inhibit several key inflammatory signaling pathways, and delay the early death of pancreatic β cells, all of which contribute to combating obesity. The extract may also help treat prediabetes and significantly reduce neuropathic pain. Human studies have also confirmed some of these results. However, some of the plant's side effects need further investigation through clinical research before it can be used to treat DM.

Keywords: St. John’s Wort; diabetes mellitus; hyperforin; hypericin; in vitro studies; in vivo studies; inflammation pathway; oxidative stress.

Figure 1

The main parts of SJW.

Figure 2

Protective mechanisms of St. John’s Wort extracts against cytokine-induced signaling Pathways in pancreatic β cells. TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor α; IL-1β, interleukin-1β; INF-γ, interferon-γ; SJW, St. John’s Wort; HPF, hyperforin; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; AGEs, advanced glycation end-products. Created with www.BioRender.com by Anastasiou IA.