Mode of action of gingerols and shogaols on 5-HT3 receptors: binding studies, cation uptake by the receptor channel and contraction of isolated guinea-pig ileum.

Ginger (rhizomes of Zingiber officinale) has been shown to exert potent anti-emetic properties, but its mode of action has not yet been elucidated. Among its active constituents, [6]-, [8]- and [10]-gingerol as well as [6]-shogaol were shown in different in vivo studies to be at least partly responsible for the drug's anti-emetic properties. In an attempt to gain more insight into the mode of action of these compounds, three different in vitro models were used to investigate their effects on 5-HT(3) receptors (serotonin receptor subtype) in more detail: [(14)C]guanidinium influx into N1E-115 cells which express 5-HT(3) receptors, isotonic contractions of the isolated guinea-pig ileum and equilibrium competition binding studies using a radioactively labeled 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ([(3)H]GR65630) (3-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-propanone).

Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with St. John's wort cream--a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind half-side comparison.

Background: Recent investigations suggest an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of hyperforin, which is a major constituent of Hypericum perforatum L. (Saint John's wort).

Objective: In the present half-side comparison study we assessed the efficacy of a cream containing Hypericum: extract standardised to 1.