Plant Hypericum Perforatum Research Articles

Technology of Cultivation of Medicinal Preparation “Hуperiсum Perfоratum I”

In the article, the medicinal properties, botanical description of the promising medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum species are studied, and the morpho-biological characteristics of the Hypericum perforatum species in the gray soils of Samarkand region are based on the comparative aspect. Depending on the planting conditions and periods of Hypericum perforatum, the seed yield, phytomass yield was determined, and recommendations for the cultivation of quality seeds and raw materials were developed.

Cellular neurobiology of hyperforin.

Hyperforin is a phloroglucinol derivative isolated from the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort, SJW). This lipophilic biomolecule displays antibacterial, pro-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, in vitro and in vivo data showed that hyperforin is a promising molecule with potential applications in neurology and psychiatry. For instance, hyperforin possesses antidepressant properties, impairs the uptake of neurotransmitters, and stimulates the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB neurotrophic signaling pathway, the adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and the brain homeostasis of zinc. In fact, hyperforin is a multi-target biomolecule with a complex neuropharmacological profile. However, one prominent pharmacological feature of hyperforin is its ability to influence the homeostasis of cations such as Ca2+ , Na+ , Zn2+ , and H+ . So far, the pathophysiological relevance of these actions is currently unknown. The main objective of the present work is to provide an overview of the cellular neurobiology of hyperforin, with a special focus on its effects on neuronal membranes and the movement of cations.

Heterogeneous nutrient supply modulates root exudation and accumulation of medicinally valuable compounds in Artemisia annua and Hypericum perforatum.

Plants have evolved complex mechanisms to adapt to nutrient-deficient environments, including stimulating lateral root proliferation into local soil patches with high nutrient content in response to heterogeneous nutrient distribution. Despite the widespread occurrence of this phenomenon in soil, the effect of heterogeneous nutrient distribution on the accumulation of secondary compounds in plant biomass and their exudation by roots remains largely unknown. This study aims to fill this critical knowledge gap by investigating how deficiency and unequal distributions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe) affect plant growth and accumulation of the antimalarial drug artemisinin (AN) in leaves and roots of Artemisia annua, as well as AN exudation by roots. Heterogeneous N and P supplies strongly increased root exudation of AN in half of a split-root system exposed to nutrient deficiency. By contrast, exposure to a homogeneous nitrate and phosphate deficiency did not modulate root exudation of AN. This indicates that a combination of local and systemic signals, reflecting low and high nutritional statuses, respectively, were required to enhance AN exudation. This exudation response was independent of the regulation of root hair formation, which was predominantly modulated by the local signal. In contrast to the heterogeneous supply of N and P, heterogeneous Fe supply did not modulate AN root exudation but increased AN accumulation in locally Fe-deficient roots. No modulation of nutrient supply significantly changed the accumulation of AN in A. annua leaves. The impact of a heterogeneous nitrate supply on growth and phytochemical composition was also investigated in Hypericum perforatum plants. Unlike in A. annue, the uneven N supply did not significantly influence the exudation of secondary compounds in the roots of H. perforatum. However, it did enhance the accumulation of several biologically active compounds, such as hypericin, catechin, and rutin isomers, in the leaves of H. perforatum. We propose that the capacity of plants to induce the accumulation and/or differential exudation of secondary compounds under heterogeneous nutrient supply is both species- and compound-specific. The ability to differentially exude AN may contribute to A. annua's adaptation to nutrient disturbances and modulate allelopathic and symbiotic interactions in the rhizosphere.

Investigation of the curative effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) and Rosa spinosissima (Black rosehip) on rats in an indomethacin-induced gastric peptic ulcer model

In this study, histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations were made on the damage to the gastric tissue in the gastric peptic ulcer model induced by indomethacin, and it was investigated whether the plants Hypericum perforatum and Rosa spinosissima have a therapeutic effect. In order to create an ulcer model, 25mg/kg indomethacin was administered orally to the rats in the other groups, except the sham control group, in 2 doses, 24 hours apart. In the treatment groups, the first dose of indomethacin was given an hour after the second dose, and the second dose of plant oils was given orally 24 hours later. Then, 1 hour later, the rats were sacrificed. In the histopathological evaluation, sections belonging to the indomethacin control group showed intense degeneration of both epithelial and mucosal glands in the gastric mucosa. Edema and bleeding were also present in the lamina propria and submucosa layers. These observed damages were significantly reduced in the RS+HP-1 and RS+HP-2 groups. As a result of the immunohistochemical evaluations, it was observed that the group with the highest Bax immunoreactivity was the indomethacin control group, and the groups with the lowest were RS+HP-1 and RS+HP-2. It was determined that the group with the lowest Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was the indomethacin control group, and the groups with the highest were RS+HP-1 and RS+HP-2. The results showed that Hypericum perforatum and Rosa spinosissima plants have therapeutic and anti-apoptotic effects on gastric injury.

Autoprotective Activity of Glyzimed

The autoprotective activity of Glyzimed, which contains herbal plants Hypericum perforatum L., Ziziphora pedicellata Pazij et Vved., Mediazia macrophylla and rhizome parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. was studied on experimental animals. Experimental studies were carried out on male white mice weighting 18-22 g. The comparative actoprotective activity of glyzimed, piracetam, and phytin, was studied on adult white mice, which were exposed to the forced swimming until the development of obvious signs of fatigue and the grip strength of paws was tested using a grip strength system device (Ugo Basile Srl, Italy). The animals of the experimental groups were intragastrically administered an aqueous solution of glyzimed using a syringe with a metal probe at doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg, piracetam - 100 mg/kg and phytin - 200 mg/kg one day and one hour before the start of the experiment. Antihypoxants statistically significantly increase the maintaining of physical performance, and activity of glyzimed is almost twice superior to piracetam. Glyzimed can be proposed as an effective actoprotective medicine.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Phytochemical Screening of Hypericum perforatum Extract as Potential Antimicrobial Agents against Multi-Drug-Resistant (MDR) Strains of Clinical Origin.

The perennial plant Hypericum perforatum is widely distributed around the world. It has been used for many years in conventional medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, including stress, mild to moderate depression, and minor injuries. This study examined the antimicrobial activity of the H. perforatum total extract and its fractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and aqueous) against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) isolates that were gathered from clinical samples, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Aerial parts of H. perforatum were collected and extracted using various solvents and were tested versus different isolated bacterial species. The inhibition zone of tested extracts was detected using an agar diffusion assay, and MICs were measured. Phytochemical analysis of promising H. perforatum extract was done using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Ultrastructure examination for the most altered bacteria used transmission electron microscopy. Antioxidant assays were done using DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity methods. Cytotoxicity was reported versus Vero cells. Different extracts of H. perforatum showed promising antibacterial activity against the pathogens. While the subfractions of the total extract were observed to show lesser inhibition zones and higher MIC values than the total extract of H. perforatum against MDR strains, the total extract of H. perforatum demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial action with an inhibition zone range of 17.9-27.9 mm. MDR-K. pneumoniae was discovered to be the most susceptible strain, which is consistent with the antibacterial inhibitory action of H. perforatum whole extract. Additionally, after treatment at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 3.9 μg/ml), the transmission electron microscope showed alterations in the ultrastructure of the K. pneumoniae cells. Methanol extract from H. perforatum has a CC50 value of 976.75 μg/ml. Future inhibitors that target MDR strains may be revealed by these findings. Additionally, the extracts that were put to the test demonstrated strong antioxidant effects as shown by DPPH or ABTS radical-scavenging assays.

Oxidation during Fresh Plant Processing: A Race against Time

Oxidation is a major concern in the food and cosmetics industry; however, little information is available in the literature about its effect during the production of herbal medicines. The impact of oxidation on herbal mother tincture (MT) manufacturing was investigated by performing an oxidative stress test, in which cryogenically ground fresh plants (Echinacea purpurea, Mentha piperita, Ginkgo biloba, and Hypericum perforatum) were exposed to air in a time-controlled manner before extraction. The effect of oxidation on the resulting extracts was evaluated using UV–Vis spectroscopy and potassium permanganate antioxidant assay. Furthermore, a tyrosinase enzymatic assay was performed on MTs to evaluate the behavior of the absorbance spectra of phenolic compounds during oxidation. Additionally, several commercially available herbal mother tinctures were examined for oxidative changes. The exposure of the fresh plant material to air for 30 min decreased the antioxidant activity in all four tested plants by 10% to 44%. This decrease occurred along with an intensity diminution and flattening of the typical UV–Vis absorption spectra of the MTs. The results have shown that the impact of oxidation during MT manufacturing is a serious issue and could be monitored by means of simple UV–Vis spectra recording.

Impact of habitat variability on phenotypic attributes of Hypericum Perforatum L. along an elevational gradient in Kashmir Himalaya

A number of environmental factors such as mean temperature, precipitation, soil characteristics etc. changes with elevational gradient and thereby, affect the morphological pattern of a plant species. Phenotypic attributes of a particular species varies along different altitudes in order to adapt and also to overcome these changeable and stressful conditions. The present study was undertaken to assess the distribution pattern and impact of habitat variability along an elevational gradient on morphology of an important medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum L. growing in the Kashmir Himalaya. Hypericum perforatum L., member of family Hypericaceae, is a perennial herb and distributed in North Western Himalaya. The species exhibited distinct variability and a peculiar trend in morphological traits in response to different environmental conditions along an elevational gradient.

Nitrogen modulates strontium uptake and toxicity in Hypericum perforatum plants

Strontium is an unavoidable element occurring in plants due to its abundance in the soil and similarity with calcium. To mimic natural conditions, impacts of additional inorganic (nitrate) or organic (urea and allantoin) nitrogen sources (1 mM of each N form in addition to 3.53 mM N in the basic cultivation solution) or N deficit on strontium-induced changes (100 µM Sr) in the widely used medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum L. were studied. Though various effects of Sr on primary (stimulation of amino acids but depression of most Krebs acids, ascorbic acid and thiols) and secondary metabolites (stimulation of phenols but no change of pseudo/hypericin) or mineral elements were observed (reduction of Ca amount in both shoots and roots), organic N forms often mitigated negative action of Sr or even combined stimulatory impact was observed. Organic N forms also elevated shoot accumulation of Sr while N deficit reduced it. Additional N forms, rather than Sr itself, modulated reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide formation in the root tissue. Germination experiment showed no toxicity of Sr to H. perforatum up to 1 mM Sr and even stimulated accumulation of amino acids and phenols, indicating similar ontogenetic-related responses.

Raw materials of <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> L. of different geographical origin in the conditions of introduction

The results of studying the growth, development and formation of the raw phytomass of Hypericum perforatum plants of different geographic origin during the introduction in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic are presented. Seven samples of Hypericum perforatum were examined, including two cultivars: Zolotodolinsky and Solnechny. A sample (Tallinn No. 885) was identified, which differed in earlier dates of the onset of phenological phases. Hypericum perforatum plants under culture conditions in the middle taiga subzone of the Komi Republic are characterized by a stable developmental rhythm. It has been determined that the number of generative shoots in Hypericum perforatum increases with age. So, in two-year-old plants this indicator was 3-4, in four-year-old plants - 18-26 pcs. per individual. It has been established that from the second year of life, with the seedling method of growing, Hypericum perforatum plants are able to form high yields of medicinal raw materials. As a result of an assessment of the productivity of samples of cultivar Solnechny and sample from Barnaul.

CERTAIN FLAVONOIDS IN THE PLANT HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L. AND THEIR EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

This article provides detailed information on the morpho-physiological characteristics, chemical composition, especially the amount of flavonoids and their function in the body and their role in human health, as one of the medicinal plants Hypericum Perforatum L.At the beginning of the article we will discuss in detail the role and distribution of the plant Hypericum Perforatum L. in modern taxonomy. The article describes the properties of rutin flavonoid, one of the most common flavonoids in this plant, and its biochemical functions in plants and humans.

VITAMINS AND ALKALOIDS IN SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS (ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM L., CAPPARIS SPINOSA L., HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L.) AND THEIR EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

This article provides information on the morpho-physiological characteristics, chemical composition, especially the amount of alkaloids and vitamins, and their function in the body, as well as thorn bushes, hole field, yarrow plants, which are considered medicinal plants.The article deals with the botanical and morpho-physiological characteristics of the plant Achillea Millefolium L., one of the medicinal plants used in scientific medicine, systematics, some biologically active substances in the chemical composition, especially vitamins and alkaloids, their function in the body and their role in human health. details are given.The following article describes the role of Capparis spinosa L. in modern taxonomy, its distribution, the structure and properties of the most common alkaloids and vitamins in the plant, and its biochemical functions in the human body.The article concludes with a detailed description of the morpho-physiological characteristics of the plant Hypericum Perforatum L., its chemical composition, especially the amount of alkaloids and vitamins and their function in the body and their role in human health.

EFFECTS OF CERTAIN ALKALOIDS FOUND IN THE HYPERICUM PERFORATUM L PLANT ON HUMAN HEALTH

This article provides detailed information on the morpho-physiological characteristics, chemical composition, especially the amount of alkaloids and their function in the body and their role in human health, as one of the medicinal plants Hypericum Perforatum L.

Taming the ringmaster of the genome (PCNA): Phytomolecules for anticancer therapy against a potential non-oncogenic target

The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a multipurpose nuclear protein in almost every form of life. It plays a significant role as a part of the mechanism for DNA replication and DNA repair process. Owing to its multi-functional role inside the cell, PCNA is often referred as the ringmaster of the genome or the maestro of the replication fork. PCNA was suggested for anticancer therapy as a potential non-oncogenic target. In this study, a set of bioactive molecules was screened to identify molecules that could effectively bind to the target site on PCNA and alter its protein–protein interactions. A combined computational approach consisting of molecular interactions, thermodynamics free energy estimations by the Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) calculations, conventional and steered MD simulations were utilized to identify potential inhibitors of PCNA. Our robust computational approach suggested two bioactive molecules, Hypericin and Pseudohypericin, from plant Hypericum perforatum as more potent inhibitors of PCNA than the standard co-crystallized inhibitor. These molecules could be developed as modulators of PCNA protein–protein interactions and effective anticancer drugs. These results, however, require validation by appropriate experimental studies.

Determination of Potential Drug Candidate Molecules of the Hypericum perforatum for COVID-19 Treatment.

The novel human coronavirus was firstly emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has spread rapidly around the world. There is no known specific effective treatment of COVID-19. The most commonly used agents against this disease both in Turkey and around the world include chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, and remdesivir. In the study, we investigated the drug potential of molecules that the components of an important medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum by using molecular docking and drug possibility properties of these molecules. The molecular docking results showed that the most stable complex was obtained with COVID-19 main protease and hypericin/isohypericin ligands with − 11 kcal/mol binding energy. Furthermore, ADMET, drug-likeness features of compounds of H. perforatum were investigated using the rules of Lipinski, Veber, and Ghose. According to the results obtained, it has been shown that H. perforatum has the potential to be an effective drug in the COVID-19 pandemic. In the next stage, it is necessary to carry out the clinically necessary reliability studies of these components. It is thought that it can be used for the treatment of COVID-19 if our molecular docking results are found to be in high correlation with clinical studies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40495-021-00254-9.

Kuraklık Stresi Altında Sarı Kantaronun (Hypericum perforatum L.) Fizikokimyasal ve Antioksidan Tepkileri

This study investigated the effects of drought stress on the physiological and biochemical responses of the medicinal and aromatic plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort). Changes were determined in leaf length, relative water content (RWC), osmotic potential, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and proline content as well as in the antioxidant system enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR). These responses were examined in relation to the tolerance of drought stress in H. perforatum. Ninety-day-old seedlings were subjected to drought for three weeks. The physiological parameters of leaf length, RWC, Fv/Fm, and osmotic potential were reduced under drought. The H2O2, TBARS, and proline levels were increased significantly under drought stress. Moreover, the proline content increase was greatly pronounced (25.9-fold) compared to the control groups. The high accumulation of proline may have resulted from the 83.8% leaf RWC still remaining under drought stress. On the other hand, the SOD, CAT, and GR enzyme activities were enhanced, whereas the POX and APX activities were reduced. The results indicate that improved tolerance to drought stress in H. perforatum plants may be accomplished through increased capacity of the antioxidative defense system

A standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 diminishes alcohol withdrawal anxiety by regulating Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats

BackgroundAlcohol abuse is a major problem worldwide and it affects people’s health and economy. There is a relapse in alcohol intake due to alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal anxiety-like behavior is a symptom that appears 6–24 h after the last alcohol ingestion.MethodsThe present study was designed to explore the protective effect of a standardized polyherbal preparation POL-6 in ethanol withdrawal anxiety in Wistar rats. POL-6 was prepared by mixing the dried extracts of six plants Bacopa monnieri, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Camellia sinesis, and Ocimum sanctum in the proportion 2:1:2:2:1:2 respectively. POL-6 was subjected to phytochemical profiling through LC-MS, HPLC, and HPTLC. The effect of POL-6 on alcohol withdrawal anxiety was tested using a two-bottle choice drinking paradigm model giving animals’ free choice between alcohol and water for 15 days. Alcohol was withdrawn on the 16th day and POL-6 (20, 50, and 100 mg/kg, oral), diazepam (2 mg/kg) treatment was given on the withdrawal days. Behavioral parameters were tested using EPM and LDT. On the 18th day blood was collected from the retro-orbital sinus of the rats and alcohol markers ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were studied. At end of the study, animals were sacrificed and the brain was isolated for exploring the influences of POL-6 on the mRNA expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the amygdala and hippocampus.ResultsPhytochemical profiling showed that POL-6 contains major phytoconstituents like withaferin A, quercetin, catechin, rutin, caeffic acid, and β-sitosterol. In-vivo studies showed that POL-6 possesses an antianxiety effect in alcohol withdrawal. Gene expression studies on the isolated brain tissues showed that POL-6 normalizes the GABAergic transmission in the amygdala and hippocampus of the rats.ConclusionThe study concludes that POL-6 may have therapeutic potential for treating ethanol-type dependence.

Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum

This study investigated whether moderate soil contamination by Cd and Pb may negatively affect seed germination, photosynthesis and foliar accumulation in the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum. Seeds were incubated with Cd and Pb solutions of 10 and 100 µM, and two-month-old plants were watered weekly for three weeks with the same solutions. Control samples were treated with deionized water. The percentage of seed germination and seedling length, as well as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence and foliar reflectance, were measured, along with the foliar Cd and Pb concentrations. The results indicated that seed germination is not affected, while seedling length is decreased by approximately 81% by high Cd levels. Cadmium was subjected to foliar translocation from the soil depending on the supplied concentration, thus causing reductions in the chlorophyll content (−24%). It is of interest that foliar Cd levels in Cd-treated plants were close to or above the limit for the European Pharmacopoeia. Negative effects of Pb were not detected, but accumulation and blockage of this metal at the root level, although not approached experimentally, cannot be ruled out.

CHEMICAL ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM – STANDARDIZED CHEMICAL ELE-MENTS (As, Cd, Hg, Pb)

Revealing the specificity of the accumulation of ChEs, which are among the most toxic, is of not only theoretical, but also practical importance – for the development and confirmation of safety standards for medicinal plant raw materials. This is especially true for plants exhibiting the ability to accumulate elements, for example, Hypericum perforatum L., one of the specific features of which is the ability to accumulate Cd. The aim of the work is to study the content of standardized chemical elements (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) in Hypericum perforatum plants in the south of Western Siberia and to assess the quality of Herba Hyperici medicinal plant raw materials; on the basis of the obtained data and literature data, to reveal the features of the accumulation of these elements in H. perforatum plants of the Eurasian region. 100 samples of the aboveground and 60 samples of the underground part of H. perforatum from Western Siberia (Novosibirsk region, Kemerovo region, Republic of Altai) were studied: Pb and Cd were determined after dry ashing by atomic emission spectrometry, As – according to GOST R 51766-2001, Hg – according to GOST R 53183-2008. Statistically significant differences in the total ChE content in different samples are not manifested, the maximum levels of Cd and Pb are noted both in samples from disturbed ecotopes and in control variants, the As and Hg content is below the detection limit. The amount of Pb in H. perforatum plants and Cd in underground organs does not exceed the MPC for medicinal plant raw materials and dietary supplements, the concentration of Cd in the aerial part of H. perforatum grass can be both higher and significantly lower than the MPC. The minimum degree of the transition of ChE into extracts is observed in plants with a high content of total ash and a residue insoluble in 10% HCl. The extractability of Cd into dosage forms is low, which indicates the need to develop MPCs for available (biologically active) forms of ChE in medicinal plant raw materials.

Exploring feature selection of St John's wort grown under different light spectra using 1 H-NMR spectroscopy.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis can provide tools to help detect differences in plant chemistry when grown under varying conditions. Hypericum perforatum, or Saint John's wort, plants are a suitable model to explore methods of discrimination between early stage plants grown in different conditions. The purpose of this work was to develop a method for identifying differences in chemical profiles between young Hypericum perforatum plants grown under different lighting conditions. Cuttings were grown for 3 weeks under different light conditions. Plant extracts were prepared in MeOD-d4 and analysed by 1 H-NMR. A multivariate analysis method of the NMR data was developed in an effort to determine variations in chemical profiles. The method identified specific metabolites as drivers of difference between the plants grown under different light conditions. STOCSY (statistical total correlation spectroscopy) and quantification of highlighted metabolites supported the findings of the multivariate analysis. Glutamine, sucrose and fructose were found to be chemical markers of light quality in this study. NMR metabolomics using a medium field instrument could find differences in plant chemistry when grown in different conditions. This method could easily be extended to benchtop instruments and be used for crop monitoring and growth condition optimisation.