Hypericum’s 90th Anniversary in the Laboratory

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum (HP) and its varieties are plants that have been attracting the attention of scientists since 1931. In almost everycountry, it is possible to encounter different HP varieties. Whereas in many countries HP is indicated as an antidepressant, its commonlyused forms in our country are mainly oils for topical application due to its wound-healing properties. More than 50 substances in itscomposition have been well established and have been the subject of detailed scientific studies, such as those on antimicrobial, antineoplastic,and antioxidant effects. The most noteworthy point of its application in daily practice is the lack of standardization, whichmay lead to inadequate treatment and adverse drug interactions. Although HP’s antidepressant and wound-healing properties havebeen traditionally accepted, its side effects and safety profile limit its use in clinical application; in addition, the HP exposure in pregnancyis an arising issue. Considering that new drug molecules are usually approved in clinical use after 10–15 years, the safety of HPapplication in clinics have not been established even after 90 years of rigorous studies.