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The fixed combination of valerian and hops (Ze91019) acts via a central adenosine mechanism. Planta Med 2004 Jul;70(7):594-7

Date

07/16/2004

Pubmed ID

15254851

DOI

10.1055/s-2004-827180

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-3543004166 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

The aim of the study was to demonstrate competition between caffeine and a fixed valerian/hop extract combination (Ze91019) by the central adenosine mechanism. EEG was used to describe the action of caffeine on the central nervous system after oral administration (200 mg) in healthy volunteers. In addition to caffeine, the volunteers (16 in each group) received either placebo or verum (2 and 6 tablets containing the valerian/hop extract). The EEG responses were recorded every 30 min thereafter. The verum medication was capable of reducing (2 tablets) or inhibiting (6 tablets) the arousal induced by caffeine. This pharmacodynamic action was observed 60 minutes after oral administration, indicating not only competition between the antagonist caffeine and the partial agonist, i. e., the valerian/hop extract but also bio-availability of the compound(s) responsible for the agonistic action. In conclusion, the valerian/hop extract acts via a central adenosine mechanism which is possibly the reason for its sleep-inducing and -maintaining activity.

Author List

Schellenberg R, Sauer S, Abourashed EA, Koetter U, Brattström A

Author

Ehab A. Abourashed PhD Professor in the School of Pharmacy Administration department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Administration, Oral
Adult
Caffeine
Central Nervous System
Electroencephalography
Humans
Humulus
Male
Phytotherapy
Plant Extracts
Plant Roots
Receptor, Adenosine A2A
Valerianaceae