Morphological, histochemical and phytochemical investigation of the genus Hypericum of the Central Italy

Changes in the contents of main secondary metabolites in two TurkishHypericumspecies during plant development

“…Although hyperforin and hypericins have been reported to mainly contribute to the pharmacological effects of Hypericum extracts, flavonoids have also made an important contribution to the antidepressant activity (Gastpar & Zeller, 2005). In this sense, many species of Hypericum from different localities of the world as well as Turkish flora have been investigated for the presence of the chemicals especially in the last decade (Ferraz et al, 2002;Maggi et al, 2004;Ayan et al, 2009;Toker, 2009;Oztürk et al, 2009;Nunes et al, 2010;Cirak et al, 2010). H. aviculariifolium subp.…”

Plant–Environment Interactions: Accumulation of Hypericin in Dark Glands of Hypericum perforatum

“…Morphologically, H. perforatum plants are characterized by the presence of several types of secretory structures, including translucent glands, dark glands and secretory canals (Curtis and Lersten, 1990;Fornasiero et al, 1998;Bottega et al, 1999). Dark glands, probably first named by Green (1884), are also known as 'nodules' (Curtis and Lersten, 1990) or 'black nodules' (Onelli et al, 2002;Maggi et al, 2004). This gland is the most important secretory structure in H. perforatum plants.…”

“…However, there is no experimental evidence that Hy-G or their precursors are synthesized or accumulated in dark glands, or that they are transported from dark glands to different organs or vice versa, nor is there any information on the mechanisms of transport. In contrast, extensive research has been conducted on the anatomical and histological characterization of the dark glands on leaves and petals, starting in the 19th Century (Green, 1884, and references therein; Onelli et al, 2002, Maggi et al, 2004. In several studies, dark glands are proposed as the site where biologically active substances accumulate (McKey, 1979;Curtis and Lersten, 1990;Fornasiero et al, 1998), although no direct evidence of chemical analysis has been presented.…”

Leaf Phytognostic Characters of Six Species of Hypericum L. (Hypericaceae)

“…The phytochemistry diversity and the bioactivity have been investigated in many species, but their morphological characteristics have been forgotten. However, due to geographical differences, apomictic reproduction modes [10] and the existence of several hybrids [13], the identification of some species might be difficult [14][15][16][17]. It is accepted that the micromorphological approach is more accurate, less environmental influenced, complementary to the macrocharacters and advisable in situations where the species limits is obscure [18].…”

“…Reports on H. androsaemum phytochemistry and bioactivities are known [21; 23-24] and also on chemotaxonomy involving this and other Portuguese species [25] but little is known about their phytognostic characters. Maggi et al, [17] and Perrone et al [26] documented the morphology and histochemistry of Italian populations of H. androsaemum. These authors mentioned that there are some differences in size and shape of leaves and flowers, type and distribution of the secretory structures on the herb's parts.…”