Dangerous combination: The natural plant that can neutralize life-saving medications

Hypericum, a natural plant sold without a prescription and marketed as a solution for depression and anxiety, can neutralize life-saving medications. The plant activates enzyme systems in the liver and intestine, causing accelerated breakdown of drugs and reducing their levels in the blood, to the point of loss of effectiveness. The danger applies to birth control pills, anti-rejection drugs for transplanted organs, oncology drugs, epilepsy medications, and anticoagulants.

Dr. Itai Gal warns in his article in Maariv about the dangers of the hypericum plant, marketed as a natural supplement for depression, anxiety, and sleep. The plant, sometimes called "nature's Prozac," powerfully activates enzyme systems in the liver and intestine, mainly CYP3A4, and transporter systems like P-glycoprotein. This action causes the body to break down and eliminate drugs faster, which can lead to a decrease in drug levels in the blood to the point of loss of effectiveness. The implications can be dramatic: a birth control pill may become less effective, treatment to prevent organ transplant rejection may weaken, and antiviral drugs, oncology drugs, epilepsy medications, and anticoagulants may not reach the required therapeutic level. The main public problem is that many people do not tell their doctor they are taking hypericum, thinking it is a harmless "herbal capsule." The article emphasizes that from the liver's perspective, there is no distinction between an active ingredient from a pharmacy and one from a health food store. Anyone taking regular medications should treat hypericum like any other drug.