Since the neurons that play a role in depression and anxiety can be controlled by the same compounds that control the neurons of the lower urinary tract, antidepressants are then often used to treat bladder and urinary tract disorders. Scientists therefore tried to determine whether St. John's wort, an herbal supplement commonly used to treat depression, would also have a similar efficacy as with other antidepressants in relieving bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis (IC).

For the study, the University of Pittsburgh researchers injected a formulation of St. John's Wort called DP015 into the abdomens of rats with bladder inflammation. As compared with controls, the models that were given DP015 showed an increased bladder contraction interval. Bladder hyperactivity, characterized by frequent contractions of the bladder, is a significant cause of irritation and pain in the bladder.

The St. John's wort formulation used in the study was provided by Delithe Natural Products. Read more from the UPMC News Bureau.

[Photo: UCLA Botanical garden]