Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of Interaction of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 Extract with Warfarin and Theophylline in Rats

Significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interactions between various herbal products and drugs being substrates of cytochrome P450 have recently been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract interacts with warfarin and theophylline when administered concomitantly. Thais, concomitant treatment of rats with theophylline and SHR-5 did not give rise to significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. Simultaneous administration of SHR-5 and warfarin did not alter significantly the pharmacokinctics or the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. It is concluded that SHR-5 might be of value in the treatment of patients with mild or moderate depression, and that its interaction with coadministered drugs is likely to be negligible. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.