Phytomedicines for mental disease and the placental barrier – an ex vivo study

Introduction Phytomedicines are widely used during pregnancy and considered as a safe alternative to synthetic drugs. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) are used to treat mild depression and sleep disorders, respectively. Although the use of these phytomedicines during pregnancy is generally accepted, safety data are essentially lacking. Knowledge of potential foetal exposure to drugs including phytomedicines is of great importance to make an informed risk assessment.

Aim The goal of this work was to investigate transplacental transfer of the major pharmacologically active compounds of St John’s wort (hypericin and hyperforin) and California poppy (protopine).

Method Placentas were received after informed consent from caesarean sections. Antipyrine, a compound to be known to cross the placenta [1], served as a positive control. The three compounds of interest and the positive control were quantified by U(H)PLC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods.

Results Hypericin did not cross the placental barrier. Hyperforin decreased on the maternal side over time. Protopine was transferred from the maternal to the foetal side.

Conclusion We successfully implemented the ex vivo perfusion model and bioanalytical methods for natural products. Further investigations are necessary to determine the safety of these compounds.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 June 2022

• References

• 1 Li H. et al. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87: 1661-1669