HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. IN CULTURE: FROM AGROECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS TO PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/naturaljournal.7.2024.17Keywords:
medicinal plants, Hypericum perforatum L., St. John's wort, Hyperici herba, phytochemistry, hypericinAbstract
St. John's wort is known not only for its antimicrobial properties, but also for its immunotropic, antioxidant and adaptogenic effects, which makes it a valuable medicinal plant. The presented review summarizes modern research on the influence of agroecological factors, agronomic practices on the quality of raw materials, as well as the phytochemical composition of Hypericum perforatum L. St. John's wort is included in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine; other species, namely: H. hirsutum L., H. elegans Steph. ex Willd and H. maculatum are found in Ukraine, but have not been sufficiently studied. It has been established that St. John's wort has a wide range of ecological adaptability, is able to exist on depleted soils, tolerate low temperatures and atmospheric pressure, which expands the potential of its cultivation. Plantation cultivation of St. John's wort significantly increases its yield, the raw material has a more stable phytochemical profile and an increased content of biologically active polyphenols. The influence of plant nutrition conditions, soil variations, lighting, temperature, irrigation, methods of sowing and growing on the accumulation of metabolites was studied. Due to the fact that most of them are formed in flowers, the collection of raw materials is carried out in the phase of full flowering, cutting off only the tops. In cultivation, varietal potential, plant density, and the possibility of obtaining two harvests per season are additional levers. The main substance for further processing are extracts, which are standardized according to the content of the main components. Despite detailed studies of the phytochemical constituents of extracts, the molecular mechanism of action hasn’t been studied enough. Mainly, the components of St. John's wort are discussed with regard to their structural features, concentration, biological activity and their possible contribution to the antidepressant efficacy of the extracts. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological research is actively conducted in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, and the countries of the Middle East. More than 80 chemical compounds have been identified in St. John's wort. The main ones are: hypericins, pseudohypericins, hyperforin, adhyperforin, tannins, triterpene saponins, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, myricetin, leucoanthocyanins), resinous substances, alkaloids, essential oils, ascorbic acid, carotene, vitamins C, E, choline, hyperin, anthracene derivatives and minerals. It is concluded that the requirements of the pharmaceutical market require a wider introduction of St. John's wort into the cultivation.
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