Sneak peek of Hypericum perforatum L.: phytochemistry, phytochemical efficacy and biotechnological interventions

Abstract

The phytochemistry of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) has been elaborated extensively owing to its immense application in medicinal chemistry. Illustrated pharmacological activities like antidepressant, antiviral, and antibacterial effects demonstrated its substantiation for numerous of the conventional purposes reported for St John’s wort. St. John’s wort is herbal remedy extensively used in mild to moderate depression. Most of pharmacological activities were assigned to presence of photosensitive naphthodianthrone; hypericin and other allied flavonoid constituents. Escalating demands of hyperforin as antidepressant added more lure to H. perforatum L. The crude extracts of H. perforatum containing phloroglucinols were used for free radical scavenging and against DNA damage. To meet increasing demands of this drug, researchers need to tailor out the biosynthetic pathways to improve secondary metabolite. This necessitated advancement in biotechnological intervention to improve phytochemical potential of this growing herb. This review will brief out ecology, chemistry and phytochemical efficacy with respective phytoconstituents. Further, review will emphasize biotechnological interventions including both conventional and modern contrivances that have been implemented to augment the glory of this species.