Hypericum sp.: essential oil composition and biological activities

Abstract

Phytochemical composition of Hypericum genus has been investigated for many years. In the recent past, studies on the essential oils (EO) of this genus have been progressing and many of them have reported interesting biological activities. Variations in the EO composition of Hypericum species influenced by seasonal variation, geographic distribution, phenological cycle and type of the organ in which EO are produced and/or accumulated have also been reported. Although many reviews attributed to the characterization as well as biological activities of H. perforatum crude extracts have been published, no review has been published on the EO composition and biological activities of Hypericum species until recently (Crockett in Nat Prod Commun 5(9): 1493-1506, 2010 Bertoli et al. in Global Sci Books 5:29-47, 2011). In this article, we summarize and update information regarding the composition and biological activities of Hypericum species EO. Based on experimental work carried out in our laboratory we also mention possible biotechnology approaches envisaging EO improvement of some species of the genus.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil and Methanol Extract of Hypericum aegypticum subsp. webbii (Spach) N. Robson

“…Forty‐nine essential‐oil constituents were identified in all analyzed oils of H. webbii . Sesquiterpenes like ( E )‐caryophyllene, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, and monoterpenes like α ‐pinene and β ‐pinene are usually the major compounds in the essential oil of the species of Hypericum genus . Monoterpenes dominated in the essential oil of aerial parts of H. webbii from both localities (95.2% and 88.1%) ( Table ).…”

“…In the folk medicine, it has been used externally in the treatment of skin wounds, eczema, and burns, as well as internally for gastric ulcers, as antispasmodic agents, and for disorders of the central nervous system . Previous research showed that H. perforatum extract showed antidepressant, wound‐healing, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity, while essential oils of different Hypericum species exerted antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and antiangiogenetic effect .…”

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of a natural antidepressant, Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort), on vegetal and animal test systems

“…The interest in organic extracts of medicinal plants or parts of the plants, such as SJW, has increased because these extracts are relatively safe to use, show a good acceptance among consumers and can possibly be used for many different functions [5]. …”

“…Hypericum species were also applied to external areas and were recommended to be consumed with wine to combat poisonous reptiles [5]. …”

Chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils ofHypericum helianthemoides. Hypericum perforatumandHypericum scabrum

“…Guedes et al (2012) reported the main essential oil constituents identified in 40 species of Hypericum were monoterpenoids (a-pinene and b-pinene) and sesquiterpenoids (E-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, caryophyllene oxide, spathulenol and globulol) constituents. Characterization of essential oil from species of the Hypericum genus revealed the presence of monoterpenoid and sesquiterpenoid constituents, as well as alkanes and aldehydes, as the main constituents in the most of the plants (Mathis & Ourisson, 1964a,b,c).…”