Identification and determination of hypericin in Hypericum perforatum's products in Iran's market

Abstract

The intention of this research is qualitative and quantitative study of Hypericum perforatum's products. The main use of this plant is for treatment of depression. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antivirus, sedative and anti-migraine activities. Hypericin, which is one of the effective compounds of this plant, has antidepressant effect and it has been evaluated in this research. According to the British Pharmacopeia in this process THF (Tetra Hydro Furan, 80%) was used as solvent. The qualitative study was done with TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) method and quantitative measuring was determined by the spectrophotometric method. The absorbance measured at 590 nm. According to the methods mentioned in the design section the content of total hypericins that can be expressed as hypericin is 0.008 percent in product A and 0.01 percent in product B. Under the TLC method, the products contain a variety of components such as Hypericin, Hyperoside, Flavonoglycoside, and Phenolcarboxilic acid that demonstrate the existence of Hypericum perforatum. The amount of the measured Hypericin in the products is within the effective dose for Hypericin stated in the references. Based on the results of this study, the amount of the Hypericin measured in the products does not conform to the amount of Hypericin claimed in the brochure. It seems that the process of integrating the effective compounds is the cause of this incompatibility. Probably the amount of Hypericin in the products decreases before the expiration date printed on the label, although it is still in the effective range.