St. John's wort [Hypericum perforatum L.]: a Review

ABSTRACT

Hypericum perforatum L., also known St. John's wort, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to Hypericaceae family that is a native of Western Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The importance of this plant as a phytopharmaceutical, especially for treatment of mild to-moderately severe depression, has significantly increased in the last few years. The major active constituents are considered to be Hypericin [a naphtodianthrone] and Hyperforin [a prenylated phloroglucinol], although other biologically active constituents eg. Flavoneids and tannins are also present. However, Hypericin is utilized as the key compound in measuring the quality of Stjohns wort and is typically used as the measure of extract potency, although recent studies indicated that hyperforin may be the antidepressive agent in St. John's wort. However, St. John's wort is one of the top- selling herbal products, which has an important place in world market