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St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116–230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, two novel species of Melampsora were discovered on Hypericum pseudohenryi in China and have been thoroughly characterized. One of these species, designated as M. danbaensis, exhibits distinct features such as aecia of Uredo-type, typically appearing in gregarious or grouped arrangements, and presenting a shallowly pulvinate structure. Aeciospores exhibit tremendous variations in size, ranging in shape from globose to ellipsoidal and bearing pronounced verrucose texture. Telia resemble crusts one-spore deep, covering nearly the entire abaxial leaf surface, with sessile teliospores reaching sizes of up to 65.8 µm, and exhibiting a clavate to cylindrical shape. Another species, designated as M. hyperici-pseudohenryi, is distinguished by Uredo-type uredinia, which are hypophyllous, scattered or grouped, and interspersed with numerous paraphyses. Its urediniospores tend to be globose, ellipsoidal or obovoid, echinulate, and are accompanied by clavate to capitate paraphyses reaching lengths up to 77.6 µm. Phylogenetically, both species form a novel monophyletic clade within the Melampsora genus, with robust support demonstrated by a high Maximum likelihood bootstrap support (MLBS) value of 100% and a Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) of 1. This study enriches our understanding of the diversity and geographical distribution of Melampsora species that infect Hypericum plants in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer gradually continues to cause increasing numbers of deaths each year globally. In addition, the persistence and aggressiveness of multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells make this disease a serious public health problem. However, scientists are making considerable efforts to understand the mechanisms of action of cell proliferation and to discover new cytotoxic agents capable of combating drug sensitive as well as MDR cancer cells; and the exploration of medicinal and phytochemical plants is a considerable avenue. This chapter reports on the contribution of the potential of Hypericum roeperianum and its constituents as a source of anticancer drugs. Scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve publications related to the cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties of H. roeperianum. The reported data were analyzed to highlight the cytotoxicity and the modes of action of botanicals and phytochemical from H. roeperianum. The results show that H. roeperianum and its constituents have beneficial cytotoxic properties and could be exploited in alternative medicine for the management of cancer including the recalcitrant phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Hyperlanins A (1) and B (2), two highly rearranged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol (PPAP)‐related meroterpenoids based on different new carbon skeletons, were isolated from Hypericum lancasteri. Compound 1 incorporates an unprecedented 5/6/7/5 ring system featuring a 3,13‐dioxatetracyclo[9.2.1.12,5.01,8]pentadecane core. Compound 2 possesses a unique compact 6/6/5/6/6/5/6 ring system with a caged tetracyclo[6.2.1.13,8.05,11]dodecane motif. Their structures were established by spectroscopic data, X‐ray diffraction, and computational approaches. Both compounds showed anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro. Compounds 1 and 2 could decrease the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐/nigericin‐induced IL‐1β release in THP‐1 cells. Both compounds also showed inhibition in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) pathway luciferase reporter assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiodermatitis (RD) is an inflammatory lesion of skin mucosa caused by radiation, which causes itching and pain in patients' skin. Hypericum sampsonii has an anti‐inflammatory effect. This study aims to explore the potential effect and mechanism of H. sampsonii on RD. Materials and Methods: The RD model was established using X‐ray irradiation of mice and the pain response of mice under different treatment methods. Serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were measured by ELSA. The RD cell model was constructed by RAW264.7 cell, H. sampsonii intervention was conducted, and the changes of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the cells were detected by qRT‐PCR. The cells were stimulated with LPS and the protein changes of TLR4/NF‐κB were investigated by Western Blotting. Results: H. sampsonii can better improve the skin status of RD mice, relieve pain, and reduce the secretion of serum inflammatory factors IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. H. sampsonii significantly down‐regulated the expression of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, pro IL‐1β, and IL‐1β. Lps‐induced activation of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway promotes the expression of NLRP3 and pro‐IL‐1β, and H. sampsonii can inhibit this promotion. Conclusion: H. sampsonii may inhibit NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle activation via interfering with TLR4/NF‐κB signaling to reduce the inflammatory response in macrophages and thus play a role in the treatment of RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The search for new bioactive natural compounds with anticancer activity is still of great importance. Even though their potential for diagnostics and treatment of cancer has already been proved, the availability is still limited. Hypericin, a naphthodianthrone isolated essentially from plant source Hypericum perforatum L. along with other related anthraquinones and bisanthraquinones belongs to this group of compounds. Although it has been proven that hypericin is synthesized by the polyketide pathway in plants, none of the candidate genes coding for key enzymes has been experimentally validated yet. Despite the rare occurrence of anthraquinones in plants, their presence in microorganisms, including endophytic fungi, is quite common. Unlike plants, several biosynthetic genes grouped into clusters (BGCs) in fungal endophytes have already been characterized. Results The aim of this work was to predict, identify and characterize the anthraquinone BGCs in de novo assembled and functionally annotated genomes of selected endophytic fungal isolates (Fusarium oxysporum, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Scedosporium apiospermum, Diaporthe eres, Canariomyces subthermophilus) obtained from different tissues of Hypericum spp. The number of predicted type I polyketide synthase (PKS) BGCs in the studied genomes varied. The non-reducing type I PKS lacking thioesterase domain and adjacent discrete gene encoding protein with product release function were identified only in the genomes of C. subthermophilus and D. eres. A candidate bisanthraquinone BGC was predicted in C. subthermophilus genome and comprised genes coding the enzymes that catalyze formation of the basic anthraquinone skeleton (PKS, metallo-beta-lactamase, decarboxylase, anthrone oxygenase), putative dimerization enzyme (cytochrome P450 monooxygenase), other tailoring enzymes (oxidoreductase, dehydrogenase/reductase), and non-catalytic proteins (fungal transcription factor, transporter protein). Conclusions The results provide an insight into genetic background of anthraquinone biosynthesis in Hypericum-borne endophytes. The predicted bisanthraquinone gene cluster represents a basis for functional validation of the candidate biosynthetic genes in a simple eukaryotic system as a prospective biotechnological alternative for production of hypericin and related bioactive anthraquinones.

During the year 2023, Hypericaceae plants were sampled in Iran and two new Aculus species were found on them: Aculus quattuorlaminate Lotfollahi, Jahandideh et Honarmand sp. nov. on Hypericum perforatum L. and Aculus hufarighooni Honarmand, Jahandideh et Lotfollahi sp. nov. on Hypericum scabrum L. Both species were vagrant on their host plants. In this study we provided a list of eriophyoid species collected on Hypericaceae plants worldwide, their type host, type locality and habitus, and a key for identification of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This overview of reviews aims to identify evidence on the benefits (i.e. tobacco use abstinence and reduction in smoking frequency) and harms (i.e. possible adverse events/outcomes) of smoking cessation interventions among adults aged 18 years and older. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the CADTH Health Technology Assessment Database and several other websites for grey literature. Searches were conducted on November 12, 2018, updated on September 24, 2020, with publication years 2008 to 2020. Two reviewers independently performed title-abstract and full-text screening considering pre-determined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessments were initially completed by two reviewers independently (i.e. 73% of included studies (n = 22)) using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR 2), and the remainder done by one reviewer and verified by another due to resources and feasibility. The application of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was performed by one independent reviewer and verified by another. Results: A total of 22 Cochrane systematic reviews evaluating the impact of smoking cessation interventions on outcomes such as tobacco use abstinence, reduction in smoking frequency, quality of life and possible adverse events were included. Pharmaceutical (i.e. varenicline, cytisine, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion) and behavioural interventions (i.e. physician advice, non-tailored print-based self-help materials, stage-based individual counselling, etc.) showed to have increased smoking cessation; whereas, data for mobile phone-based interventions including text messaging, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, continuous auricular stimulation, laser therapy, electrostimulation, acupressure, St John's wort, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), interactive voice response systems and other combination treatments were unclear. Considering harms related to smoking cessation interventions, small/mild harms (i.e. increased palpitations, chest pain, nausea, insomnia, headache) were observed following NRT, varenicline and cytisine use. There were no data on harms related to behavioural therapies (i.e. individual or group counselling self-help materials, internet interventions), combination therapies or other therapies (i.e. laser therapy, electrostimulation, acupressure, St John's wort, SAMe). Conclusion: Results suggest that pharmacological and behavioural interventions may help the general smoking population quit smoking with observed small/mild harms following NRT or varenicline. Consequently, evidence regarding ideal intervention strategies and the long-term impact of these interventions for preventing smoking was unclear. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018099691 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing climate change poses an increasing threat to biodiversity. To avoid decline or extinction, species need to either adjust or adapt to new environmental conditions or track their climatic niches across space. In sessile organisms such as plants, phenotypic plasticity can help maintain fitness in variable and even novel environmental conditions and is therefore likely to play an important role in allowing them to survive climate change, particularly in the short term. Understanding a species' response to rising temperature is crucial for planning well‐targeted and cost‐effective conservation measures. We sampled seeds of three Hypericum species (H. maculatum, H. montanum, and H. perforatum), from a total of 23 populations originating from different parts of their native distribution areas in Europe. We grew them under four different temperature regimes in a greenhouse to simulate current and predicted future climatic conditions in the distribution areas. We measured flowering start, flower count, and subsequent seed weight, allowing us to study variations in the thermal plasticity of flowering phenology and its relation to fitness. Our results show that individuals flowered earlier with increasing temperature, while the degree of phenological plasticity varied among species. More specifically, the plasticity of H. maculatum varied depending on population origin, with individuals from the leading range edge being less plastic. Importantly, we show a positive relationship between higher plasticity and increased flower production, indicating adaptive phenological plasticity. The observed connection between plasticity and fitness supports the idea that plasticity may be adaptive. This study underlines the need for information on plasticity for predicting species' potential to thrive under global change and the need for studies on whether higher phenotypic plasticity is currently being selected as natural populations experience a rapidly changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at designing of new methods to reduce the negative effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate on plant products. In the current study, the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) in Hypericum perforatum L. pretreated with salicylic acid and nitric oxide (sodium nitroprusside) at a concentration of 0.1 mM was investigated in a completely randomized design with three replicates as pot culture in perlite. After 21 days of treatment, the plants were harvested. The results of the variance analysis of the data in the laboratory showed that the application of 1000 mgL-1 of zinc oxide or zinc sulfate nanoparticles caused more toxicity. However, the greatest effect is related to the pretreatment of salicylic acid and nitric oxide (sodium nitroprusside), which successfully reduced the value of the oxidative stress index (malondialdehyde) and as a result, the adverse effect of zinc on the seed germination of gerbera. The combination of salicylic acid and nitric oxide increased the amount of proline in the treatment of zinc oxide nanoparticles and phenol antioxidants had a significant increase under the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate, which was associated with an increase in the activity of the phenylalanine ammoni alyase enzyme. The amount of zinc in the roots also increased with the combination of salicylic acid and nitric oxide under the stress of zinc oxide nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The search for new bioactive natural compounds with anticancer activity is still of great importance. Even though their potential for diagnostics and treatment of cancer has already been proved, the availability is still limited. Hypericin, a naphthodianthrone isolated essentially from plant source Hypericum perforatum L. along with other related anthraquinones and bisanthraquinones belongs to this group of compounds. Although it has been proven that hypericin is synthesized by the polyketide pathway in plants, none of the candidate genes coding for key enzymes has been experimentally validated yet. Despite the rare occurrence of anthraquinones in plants, their presence in microorganisms, including endophytic fungi, is quite common. Unlike plants, several biosynthetic genes grouped into clusters (BGCs) in fungal endophytes have already been characterized. Results: The aim of this work was to predict, identify and characterize the anthraquinone BGCs in de novo assembled and functionally annotated genomes of selected endophytic fungal isolates (Fusarium oxysporum, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Scedosporium apiospermum, Diaporthe eres, Canariomyces subthermophilus) obtained from different tissues of Hypericum spp. The number of predicted type I polyketide synthase (PKS) BGCs in the studied genomes varied. The non-reducing type I PKS lacking thioesterase domain and adjacent discrete gene encoding protein with product release function were identified only in the genomes of C. subthermophilus and D. eres. A candidate bisanthraquinone BGC was predicted in C. subthermophilus genome and comprised genes coding the enzymes that catalyze formation of the basic anthraquinone skeleton (PKS, metallo-beta-lactamase, decarboxylase, anthrone oxygenase), putative dimerization enzyme (cytochrome P450 monooxygenase), other tailoring enzymes (oxidoreductase, dehydrogenase/reductase), and non-catalytic proteins (fungal transcription factor, transporter protein). Conclusions: The results provide an insight into genetic background of anthraquinone biosynthesis in Hypericum-borne endophytes. The predicted bisanthraquinone gene cluster represents a basis for functional validation of the candidate biosynthetic genes in a simple eukaryotic system as a prospective biotechnological alternative for production of hypericin and related bioactive anthraquinones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Schinia scissa (Grote) is endemic to Florida and one of the most rarely-encountered North American flower moths (Heliothinae), known to science from less than 10 specimens for nearly 150 years. The life history and larval host plant, previously unknown, is documented here for the first time. Larvae feed on the flowering parts of Arcadian St. John's Wort (Hypericum edisonianum, Hypericaceae), and circumstantial evidence indicates other Hypericum species may be suitable hosts as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum ascyron L. (H. ascyron) is a significant medicinal plant traditionally used for various conditions like hematemesis, hemoptysis, injuries from falls, irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, and liver fire-induced headaches. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like SciFinder and Web of Science to explore its traditional uses, geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. The objective of this review is to lay groundwork and suggest fresh avenues of investigation into the possible uses of the plant. Currently, two hundred and seventy compounds have been isolated and identified from H. ascyron, including phloroglucinols, xanthones, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids and triterpenoids, volatile components, and other compounds. Notably, phloroglucinols, xanthones, and flavonoids have exhibited remarkable pharmacological effects like antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities. Despite extensive research, further studies are needed to understand new components and mechanisms of action, requiring more detailed investigations. This thorough exploration could facilitate the advancement and utilization of H. ascyron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal compounds from plants include bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives, the majority of which are polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs). Prototype molecules are hyperforin, the antidepressant constituent of St. John's wort, and garcinol, a potential anticancer compound. Their complex structures have inspired innovative chemical syntheses, however, their biosynthesis in plants is still enigmatic. PPAPs are divided into two subclasses, named type A and B. Here we identify both types in Hypericum sampsonii plants and isolate two enzymes that regiodivergently convert a common precursor to pivotal type A and B products. Molecular modelling and substrate docking studies reveal inverted substrate binding modes in the two active site cavities. We identify amino acids that stabilize these alternative binding scenarios and use reciprocal mutagenesis to interconvert the enzymatic activities. Our studies elucidate the unique biochemistry that yields type A and B bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane cores in plants, thereby providing key building blocks for biotechnological efforts to sustainably produce these complex compounds for preclinical development. Hypericum plants contain complex compounds with promising medicinal properties. Here, the authors report a pair of enzymes catalyzing prenylation and regiodivergent cyclization. The forged scaffolds are characteristic of hyperforin analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hypericum comprises a large number of species. The flower, leaf, stem, and root of the Hypericum species are widely used in traditional medicine in different cultures. Many Hypericum species have been well investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically. However, only a few reports are available on the H. cordifolium native to Nepal. The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition of different extracts, qualitative analysis of methanol extract of the flower and leaf using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and the antioxidant properties of components by the TLC-DPPH. assay. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated in different extracts of the leaf and stem, and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated. In the phytochemical screening, phenolics and flavonoids were present in ethyl acetate, methanol, and 50% aq methanol extracts of both the leaf and stem. In TLC analysis, the methanol extract of flowers showed the presence of 11 compounds and the leaf extract showed the presence of 8 compounds. Both extracts contained chlorogenic acid and mangiferin. Hyperoside and quercetin were present only in the flower extract. In the TLC-DPPH. assay, almost all of the flower extracts and 5 compounds of the leaf extract showed radical scavenging potential. Estimation of phenolics and flavonoids showed that all the leaf extracts showed higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids than stem extracts. Among leaf extracts, greater amounts of phenolics were detected in 50% aqueous methanol extract (261.25 ± 1.66 GAE/g extract) and greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in methanol extract (232.60 ± 10.52 CE/g extract). Among stem extracts, greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in the methanol extract (155.12 ± 4.30 CE/g extract). In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 60.85 ± 2.67 µg/ml and 50% aq. methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 63.09 ± 2.98 µg/ml. The methanol extract of the stem showed IC50 89.39 ± 3.23 µg/ml, whereas ethyl acetate and 50% aq. methanol extract showed IC50 > 100 µg/ml. In the antibacterial assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed the inhibition zone of 12-13 mm and the stem extract showed the inhibition zone of 7–11 mm against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. sonnei, whereas both extracts were inactive against S. typhi. The findings of this study support the traditional use of this plant in Nepal for the treatment of diseases associated with bacterial infections. The present study revealed that the underutilized anatomical parts of H. cordifolium could be the source of various bioactive phytochemicals like other Hypericum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The methanol extract of Hypericum linarioides (MHL) has positive effect on human dermal fibroblast cell proliferation. • MHL-containing nanoemulsion formulation (MHL-NEF) with droplet size less than 160 nm was prepared successfully. • For MHL and MHL-NEF, the maximum cell viability% was obtained at 0.4 µg/mL. • It was observed as a result of scratch assay that NEF improved the wound-healing potential of MHL. • TGF-β1 and FGFR-2 expressions in MHL-NEF-treated fibroblast cells increased significantly at 24 h. It was aimed to develop and in vitro characterize the methanol extract of Hypericum linarioides (MHL)-containing nanoemulsion formulation (MHL-NEF) to heal the wound effectively. MHL-NEF was prepared and its droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity, pH and zeta potential (ZP) values were determined. The effect of MHL and MHL-NEF on human dermal fibroblast cell viability was examined by MTT assay. Also, their wound healing potential was evaluated using the scratch assay. The droplet size, PDI, ZP, pH and viscosity values for the MHL-NEF were found to be 157.67±7.61 nm, 0.268±0.036, (-)40.20±6.79 mV, 4.27±0.01, and 1.82±0.01 cP, respectively. In the cell viability assay, the highest percentage of living cells was obtained at concentration of 0.4 µg/mL for the MHL and MHL-NEF. In the scratch assay, MHL-NEF showed significantly ameliorated wound closure (%) rates at 24 and 30 h than the groups of control, MHL and blank-NEF (NEF without MHL) (p < 0.001). Immunofluorescence staining was carried out. TGF-β1 and FGFR-2 expressions in MHL-NEF-treated fibroblast cells increased significantly at 24 h compared to the groups of control, MHL, and B-NEF (p < 0.001). Our findings show that MHL-NEF may be promising for better wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three different oil (black seed, St. John's Wort, and grape seed oils [GSO]) oleogels, which are especially used in complementary medicine, were produced with natural waxes (sunflower and beeswax [BW]). The physicochemical, textural, thermal, and structural features and volatile composition of the oleogels were determined and compared with commercial petrolatum gels (control sample). The sunflower and BW gels had a higher melting point than the petrolatum gels. Particularly, the firmness values of the fresh sunflower and BW oleogels were close to the petrolatum gels, except for the BW‐based St John's Wort and GSO gels. The firmness and stickiness values of the oleogels and the control samples increased in relation to the storage period. The increase in firmness value was less in the sunflower wax than in the BW and control samples. All sunflower, BW and petrolatum gels exhibited the β′ form. Volatile component data showed that different waxes have different volatile adsorption capacities. As a result, natural wax oleogels produced with various essential oils could be an alternative to similar products used in the cosmetics, pharmacology, and food supplement industries, which are already commercially available. Practical applications: (Oleogels have become a popular technique for structuring oils in recent years. In this way, oleogels are considered an alternative to solid fat such as margarine, butter, and shortening and an oil‐restricting agent against oil leakage in oil‐based foods. Consumers establish a close relationship between their own health and the foods they consume and the cosmetics they use. This situation has led to an increasing interest in natural products. Essential oils (EOs) are used in many fields, ranging from cosmetics to complementary medicine. In this context, essential oleogels produced with natural waxes were compared with the commercial products, revealing their potential for use in both cosmetic and food supplements. EO‐oleogels represent a new approach to the oleogel product range with high commercialization potential for related industries.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three previously undescribed compounds including two aromatic acid derivatives (1–2), and one xanthone (3), together with ten known compounds (4–13) were isolated from the aerial part of Hypericum hengshanense. The planar structures of three new compounds were established by 1 D and 2 D NMR and MS data. And the absolute configurations of compounds 1–2 were determined by the quantum chemical ECD calculations. Compounds 1–2 showed weak cytotoxicity against Hep-2 human cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 65.1 ± 2.7 and 78.0 ± 1.0 μg/mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new naphthoquinone, patulumnaphthoquinone A (1) and three new glycosides, patulumside B (2), patulumside C (3) and patulumside D (4) were isolated from the 30% ethanol extract of the fresh ripe fruits of Hypericum patulum Thunb. using column chromatography techniques. The structures of these compounds including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopic analyses, calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra and comparison with the literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing innovative strategies to enhance the nutritional quality and health benefits of animal feeds. Phytogenic compounds derived from plants have demonstrated various bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. However, incorporating these compounds into animal feeds while preserving their efficacy poses a challenge due to their sensitive nature. The current study focuses on the formulation of bioactive feed extrudates containing phytogenic compounds through extrusion processing to address this challenge. Specifically, a combination of essential oils from oregano, rosemary, chamomile, and hypericum (EOB) was examined and integrated into the standard feed through a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The bioactive feed formulation was analyzed and compared to the conventional corn flour-based feed before and after the extrusion process. All extrudates were thoroughly evaluated regarding extrusion efficiency, morphology, physicochemical characteristics, bioactivity, and EOB release rate. Results revealed that the bioactive extrudates exhibited satisfying overall behavior concerning stability and mechanical properties. This study reveals the feasibility of creating enhanced feed by incorporating the essential oil blend (EOB) studied in the conventional feed blend through extrusion cooking. These findings contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts towards the replacement of synthetic feed additives through a novel and sustainable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum haplophylloides Halácsy & Bald is an endemic St. John's wort of Albania described by Halácsy in 1892, with locus classicus in Llogara, Vlora district. According to Meyer, the distribution of this species is wider in Albania, and it's represented by two subspecies: H. haplophylloides subps. haplophylloides and H. haplophylloides subsp. devollense, which are phyto-geographically divided and grow in different substrate types. Described almost a century later, there are still a lot of scientific discussions about accepting of these subspecies as new taxa, considering them as ecotypes or just high phenotypic plasticity of the species. In this study we aim to notice if there is any significant statistical difference between them based on some parametric measurements of leaves, sepals, and fruits; features that make the differences according to F.K. Meyer. The results indicated that: there is no significant difference between the two subspecies related to length of leaves, but the leaves width of subsp. devollense is significantly bigger. There is a significant difference between subspecies concerning the fruit's size. They are larger to subsp. haplophylloides, but significant differences of fruit's size exist even between different populations of the same subspecies. Subsp. haplophylloides results to have lengthier sepals than subsp. devollense, but the sepals are wider to subsp. devollense. These wide variations which are not considered by Meyer, probably reflection of different ecological conditions of habitats where H. haplophylloides grows, supporting the presence of different ecotypes and/or high phenotypic plasticity. Genetics studies are highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra (HTT) has been traditionally used in medical treatments due to its sedative, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, and anthelmintic properties. The present study aims to investigate the lung-protective and antiapoptotic effects of HTT against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced lung injury in rats. Methods: Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were categorized into 5 groups, each consisting of seven members. Phenolic acid and flavonoid contents of this plant were determined. The lung tissue samples cultivated from the rats were examined in histopathological and immunohistochemically for the apoptosis markers of Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. Results: Histopathological results indicated that structural defects, bleeding areas, and edema had occurred in the lungs of the CP-Alone Group. Besides, Caspase-3 and Bax positivity of the lung cells had also increased while Bcl-2 positivity had decreased. On the other hand, in the HTT+CP Group, HTT was shown to have reversed the aforementioned changes positively. Conclusion: Based on in vivo results, HTT could be a strong protective candidate for CP-induced lung injury and apoptosis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phloroglucinol and derived compounds comprise a huge class of secondary metabolites widely distributed in plants and brown algae. A vast array of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer has been associated to this class of compounds. In this review, the available data on the antiviral and antibacterial capacity of phloroglucinols have been analyzed. Some of these compounds and derivatives show important antimicrobial properties in vitro. Phloroglucinols have been shown to be effective against viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes or enterovirus, and preliminary data through docking analysis suggest that they can be effective against SARS-CoV-19. Also, some phloroglucinols derivatives have shown antibacterial effects against diverse bacteria strains, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, and (semi)synthetic development of novel compounds have led to phloroglucinols with a significantly increased biological activity. However, therapeutic use of these compounds is hindered by the absence of in vivo studies and scarcity of information on their mechanisms of action, and hence further research efforts are required. On the basis of this consideration, our work aims to gather data regarding the efficacy of natural-occurring and synthetic phloroglucinol derivatives as antiviral and antibacterial agents against human pathogens, which have been published during the last three decades. The recollection of results reported in this review represents a valuable source of updated information that will potentially help researchers in the development of novel antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the antimicrobial effects of the Hypericum crenulatum ethanolic (HCE) extract against 14 different food pathogens and their biofilm-forming abilities in response to HCE treatment. The phenolic acid composition of the HCE extract was also determined using an HPLC-DAD detector. The antimicrobial activity of HCE extract was assessed using the disc diffusion and microdilution methods. According to the findings, the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, Listeria monocytogenes RSKK 472, and Listeria innocua ATCC 33090 strains exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values at a concentration of 2 μg mL−1. Based on the disc diffusion test results, the largest zone of inhibition of HCE extract against foodborne pathogens was seen against Bacillus cereus , and the diameter of the inhibition zone increased with the concentration of HCE extract (P < 0.05). In terms of phenolic acid composition of HCE extract, the phenolic acids with the highest and lowest amounts were caffeic acid (59.92 mg g−1) and p -coumaric acid (13.61 μg g−1), respectively. Our study determined that the HCE extract demonstrated antimicrobial, bactericidal, and antibiofilm activities against some foodborne pathogens. These effects reveal its potential for improving food safety by inhibiting the growth of these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Astilbin is a flavanonol, found in St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and many other plants. It has been demonstrated that astilbin contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-suppressive properties. However, the bioavailability of astilbin remains a question for which drug delivery-based nanoparticles can be utilized. We formulated a nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with astilbin (NLC-AS) and tested its effects on the rotenone exposed PC12 cells and in a neurodegenerative mice model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced by rotenone. Results show that rotenone caused dose-dependent inhibition of PC12 cell growth with about 50% cell death at 2 µM rotenone. Rotenone caused apoptosis in PC12 cells which was reduced to a notable level by NLC-AS through suppression of oxidative stress, especially via elevation of GSH and total antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of monoamine oxidase. Rotenone significantly augmented neurodegeneration in mouse brains by triggering apoptosis and oxidative damage, while NLC-AS treatment halted these processes. Rotenone-exposed mice showed neuronal deficits and impaired neurocognitive functions like loss of memory and learning restrictions which were restored to a remarkable level by NLC-AS administration. The protective effect of NLC-AS was mediated through the inhibition of GSK3β and induction of Nrf2 genes in the brain tissues. These findings suggest that NLC-AS administration may efficiently regulate the signs of PD in mice and prevent neurodegeneration and neurocognitive dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated phenolic metabolites, antioxidant, cytotoxic and cardioprotective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Hypericum attenuatum Fisch. ex Choisy. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 132.40 ± 2.06 mg GAE/g and 101.46 ± 1.47 mg QE/g respectively. The extract exhibited antioxidant activities with an EC50 value against DPPH radical of 0.099 ± 0.03 mg/mL and a FRAP value of 1.22 ± 0.086 mmol/L Fe2+. The extract could protect H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from the injury of H2O2, while it restored the H9c2 cell viability to 82.69 ± 2.33% at 100 μg/mL. The extract possessed cytotoxicity on MGC803, C666-1 and SW620 cells with IC50 values of 69.77 ± 2.43 μg/mL, 74.97 ± 1.08 μg/mL and 58.91 ± 1.81 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, it could promote apoptosis of the tested cancer cells. This research provided useful information for the utilization of H. attenuatum as herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ongoing climate change poses an increasing threat to biodiversity. To avoid decline or extinction, species need to either adjust or adapt to new environmental conditions or track their climatic niches across space. In sessile organisms such as plants, phenotypic plasticity can help maintain fitness in variable and even novel environmental conditions and is therefore likely to play an important role in allowing them to survive climate change, particularly in the short term. Understanding a species' response to rising temperature is crucial for planning well‐targeted and cost‐effective conservation measures. We sampled seeds of three Hypericum species (H. maculatum, H. montanum, and H. perforatum), from a total of 23 populations originating from different parts of their native distribution areas in Europe. We grew them under four different temperature regimes in a greenhouse to simulate current and predicted future climatic conditions in the distribution areas. We measured flowering start, flower count, and subsequent seed weight, allowing us to study variations in the thermal plasticity of flowering phenology and its relation to fitness. Our results show that individuals flowered earlier with increasing temperature, while the degree of phenological plasticity varied among species. More specifically, the plasticity of H. maculatum varied depending on population origin, with individuals from the leading range edge being less plastic. Importantly, we show a positive relationship between higher plasticity and increased flower production, indicating adaptive phenological plasticity. The observed connection between plasticity and fitness supports the idea that plasticity may be adaptive. This study underlines the need for information on plasticity for predicting species' potential to thrive under global change and the need for studies on whether higher phenotypic plasticity is currently being selected as natural populations experience a rapidly changing climate.

Foodborne pathogens pose a significant hazard to food safety. Most cases of foodborne illnesses are caused by bacterial pathogens that have infiltrated the food chain at some point, from farm to kitchen. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one-third of individuals in developed countries are affected by foodborne pathogens each year. Although there are studies on Hypericum perforatum L. in the literature, research in Turkey remains limited. Therefore, the aim is to contribute to the literature by studying H. perforatum samples from the Yaraş region of Muğla province in Turkey. This study specifically aims to investigate the antimicrobial activities against foodborne pathogens and the antioxidant activity of H. perforatum in Muğla. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of flower components from plants grown in Mugla were evaluated using the disc diffusion method and broth dilution test. Additionally, the extracts underwent ABTS (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) free-radical testing to evaluate their antioxidant activity. The extract exhibited a maximum inhibition zone of 16 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Notably, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes demonstrated the lowest sensitivity to H. perforatum methanol extract (1625 µg/mL). The methanol extract displayed moderate antioxidant activity, with a 53% ABTS radical scavenging capacity. Consequently, the extracts of H. perforatum exhibited both antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum, Hypericaceae) is the most well-known species in the genus Hypericum, which comprises several hundred species. This study investigates the biological and phytochemical potential of the under-researched Hypericum species, H. hirsutum, H. barbatum, and H. rochelii. A high level of similarity between the chemical profiles of H. hirsutum and H. barbatum and the official source of the herbal drug (H. perforatum) was shown, but a higher content of quercetin and rutin was also found in all three evaluated species (116–230 µg/g dry herb). The highest amount of phenolics (195 mg GAE/g) was recorded in H. hirsutum extract, while the highest amount of flavonoids (47 mg QE/g) was recorded in H. barbatum extract. The evaluated species were excellent scavengers of DPPH, OH, and NO radicals, as well as strong ferric ion reducers in the FRAP test. Prominent monoamine oxidase A and α-glucosidase inhibition was observed, compared to modest inhibition of monoamine oxidase B, α-amylase, and acetylcholinesterase. High activity against Gram-positive MRSA S. aureus was demonstrated for the tested species, with MIC/MBC values recorded at 12.5 µg/mL. Antifungal activity against Candida strains was not observed. The obtained results emphasize the need for further investigation of species of the genus Hypericum to discover potentially new sources of biologically active compounds.

The search for lead compounds with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from structurally 'optimized' natural products is a crucial and promising strategy in the quest to discover safe and efficacious agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases. A phytochemical investigation on the aerial portions of Hypericum elatoides led to the isolation of five nitrogenous polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), hyperelanitriles A–D (1–4) and hyperelamine A (5). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, ECD and NMR calculations, and X-ray crystallography. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1–4 represent the first examples of acylphloroglucinols featuring an α-aminonitrile moiety, while 5 is a rare enamine-containing PPAP. Further, the synthesis of these naturally occurring PPAP-based nitriles or amines was accomplished. Compound 5 exhibited inhibitory activity against LPS-activated NO production in BV-2 cells, potentially through the suppression of TLR-4/NF-κB signaling. Here we show the isolation, structural elucidation, synthesis, and bioactive evaluation of compounds 1–5. Natural products are a rich source of lead compounds in drug discovery. Here, the authors report the discovery and synthesis of five nitrogenous polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols named hyperelanitriles A–D and hyperelamine A from the plant Hypericum elatoides with anti-inflammatory activity against lipopolysaccharides-activated nitric oxide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum is a large genus that includes more than 500 species of pharmacological, ecological and conservation value. Although latest advances in sequencing technologies were extremely exploited for generating and assembling genomes of many living organisms, annotated whole genome sequence data is not publicly available for any of the Hypericum species so far. Bioavailability of secondary metabolites varies for different tissues and the data derived from different cultures will be a valuable tool for comparative studies. Here, we report the single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures for the first time. Sequencing data from cell suspension cultures yielded more than 33,000 high-quality transcripts from 20 Gb of raw data, while more than 55,000 high-quality transcripts were obtained from 35 Gb of raw data from plantlets. This dataset is a valuable tool for comparative transcriptomic analysis and will help to understand the unknown biosynthetic pathways of high medicinal value in the Hypericum genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy sometimes present with comorbid conditions or co-infections. This could lead to an increased risk of drug interactions due to the concomitant use of drugs. The aim of the study was to explore the overall impact of dolutegravir on such comorbidities and the effect of concomitant medication on the safety and efficacy of dolutegravir. Methods: data was collected using a survey questionnaire and a retrospective review of medical records of a prospective study sample. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for up to 12 months after dolutegravir initiation. Concomitantly used drugs and supplements that were identified to have a potential interaction with dolutegravir were further characterized. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the data, t-tests were performed on blood glucose levels and cross-tabulations were done on some variables. Results: of the 461 participants enrolled into the study, 172 (37.3%) and 54 (11.7%) experienced comorbidity and coinfection respectively. More than 50% of the participants used concomitant medicines. Metformin use led to increased blood glucose levels (p=0.009); participants on rifampicin (n=8) received an additional daily dose of dolutegravir. Virological outcomes in participants on sodium valproate (n=2) and St John's wort (n=1) did not show safety concerns, whilst 3 dolutegravir discontinuations were observed in participants using supplements and antacids containing divalent cations. Conclusion: even though dolutegravir was safe and effective in the study population, with possible drug interactions leading to treatment discontinuations in only 3(0.7%) participants, further investigation into dolutegravir-induced hyperglycemia needs investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional treatment methods are not effective enough to fight the rapid increase in cancer cases. The interest is increasing in the investigation of herbal sources for the development of new anticancer therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the antitumor capacity of Hypericum alpestre (H. alpestre) extract in vitro and in vivo, either alone or in combination with the inhibitors of the l‐arginine/polyamine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway, and to characterize its active phytochemicals using advanced chromatographic techniques. Our previous reports suggest beneficial effects of the arginase inhibitor NG‐hydroxy‐nor‐ l‐arginine and NO inhibitor NG‐nitro‐Larginine methyl ester in the treatment of breast cancer via downregulation of polyamine and NO synthesis. Here, the antitumor properties of H. alpestre and its combinations were explored in vivo, in a rat model of mammary gland carcinogenesis induced by subcutaneous injection of 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. The study revealed strong antiradical activity of H. alpestre aerial part extract in chemical (DPPH/ABTS) tests. In the in vitro antioxidant activity test, the H. alpestre extract demonstrated pro‐oxidant characteristics in human colorectal (HT29) cells, which were contingent upon the hemostatic condition of the cells. The H. alpestre extract expressed a cytotoxic effect on HT29 and breast cancer (MCF‐7) cells measured by the MTT test. According to comet assay results, H. alpestre extract did not exhibit genotoxic activity nor possessed antigenotoxic properties in HT29 cells. Overall, 233 substances have been identified and annotated in H. alpestre extract using the LC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS system. In vivo experiments using rat breast cancer models revealed that the H. alpestre extract activated the antioxidant enzymes in the liver, brain, and tumors. H. alpestre combined with chemotherapeutic agents attenuated cancer‐like histological alterations and showed significant reductions in tumor blood vessel area. Thus, either alone or in combination with Nω‐OH‐nor‐ l‐arginine and Nω‐nitro‐ l‐arginine methyl ester, H. alpestre extract exhibits pro‐ and antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and cytotoxic effects. Significance Statement: Our HPLC/MS/MS data shows that Hypericum alpestre (HA) contains a variety and abundance of natural antioxidants. H. alpestre possessed a remarkable cytotoxic effect on HT29 and MCF‐7 cancer cell cultures and acted as a pro‐oxidant in cellular models. The combination of H. alpestre extract with inhibitors of the l‐arginine metabolic pathway presents synergistic Anticancer effects against the induced mammary tumor. The H. alpestre extract alone or combined with l‐arginine metabolic regulatory compounds, demonstrates significant potential for the development of novel therapeutic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum liboense M.T.An & T.R.Wu, sp. nov. (Hypericaceae) is a newly described species found in the Maolan National Nature Reserve of Guizhou Province, where it grows in rocky habitats without soil on karst mountain tops. In this study, key morphological characters were compared between the new species and the other known Hypericum species of Hypericaceae. DNA sequences were extracted from the leaves of the new species, with nuclear gene sequences (ITS) generated to reconstruct phylogenetic trees and describe its phylogenetic position in relation to other species of Hypericum. Our results show that the proposed new species has the typical characteristics of the genus Hypericum in morphology being similar to Hypericum monogynum, but differing in its sessile and semi-clasped leaves, long elliptical to long circular leaf blades, thickly papery to thinly leathery, with entire and wavy leaf margins. The abaxial side of the leaves is covered with white powder, giving them a grey-white appearance. The main lateral veins of the leaves are 8-15-paired, and the midvein on both sides is convex. The main lateral veins and midvein branch are conspicuous, with tertiary venation forming a network on the leaf surface and appearing prominently sunken. The inflorescences are 1-3-flowered, with a large calyx and conspicuous veins. The molecular phylogenetic analysis (PP = 1.00) provided substantial evidence for the proposition of H. liboense as a new species within Hypericum. Morphological and molecular evidence is presented, corroborating the proposition of the new species, including a comprehensive account of the distinctive morphological attributes of H. liboense, along with its key distinguishing features from similar species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Medical-grade honey was found to promote cutaneous wound healing in horses, but no effect was reported in dogs. The effect of medical-grade honey or Hypericum on cutaneous wound healing in cats is unknown since there are no controlled studies in this species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the local application of medical-grade honey or Hypericum-based ointment in second-intention healing of cutaneous defects in healthy cats versus their untreated controls and to compare the effectiveness of medical-grade honey and Hypericum. Tissue perfusion was better in wounds treated with medical-grade honey and Hypericum rather than in the untreated controls. Wounds treated with medical-grade honey showed lower edema, higher angiogenesis, and an increased fibroblast concentration compared to Hypericum-treated wounds. Topical application of medical-grade honey or Hypericum did not accelerate the healing process of feline cutaneous wounds. This study aimed to determine the effects of two topical treatments on second-intention wound healing in cats. Eight 2 × 2 cm full-thickness wounds were created, four on each side of the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, to receive either medical-grade honey ointment (MGH) and its control (HC), or Hypericum-based ointment (HP) and its control (HPC). MGH or HP ointment was applied to four wounds on the same side, while the remaining four were used as controls, chosen at random. Planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, daily physical examinations, and histologic examinations on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 were used to assess the healing of wounds. Tissue perfusion was better in the MGH-treated (2.14 ± 0.18 mm/s) and HP-treated wounds (2.02 ± 0.13 mm/s) than in the untreated controls HC (1.59 ± 0.11 mm/s) and HPC (1.60 ± 0.05 mm/s), respectively (p = 0.001). Histopathology revealed that the median edema score was lower in the MGH-treated (2; range 1–4) compared to the HC-treated wounds (3; range 2–4) on day 7 (p < 0.05). The median angiogenesis score was higher on day 7 in the MGH-treated (2; range 1–3) compared to the HP-treated wounds (2; range 1–2) (p = 0.046). The fibroblast concentration was increased in the MGH-treated wounds (3.5; range 3–4) compared to the HP-treated wounds (3; range 2–4) on day 25 (p = 0.046). MGH and HP increased tissue perfusion compared to the untreated controls. The MGH-treated wounds had histologic parameters superior to the HP-treated wounds regarding angiogenesis and fibroblast concentration in cutaneous wound healing in cats. Topical application of MGH and HP did not accelerate the healing process of feline cutaneous wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potential of Himalayan Hypericum species (H. cordifolium, H. elodeoides, H. japonicum, H. podocarpoides, and H. uralum) were examined. The antioxidant activity measured by DPPH radical scavenging assay was the highest for the methanolic extracts of H. cordifolium and the lowest for H. japonicum. The antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of Hypericum species showed weak or no antibacterial activity against four ATCC bacterial strains compared to standard gentamicin. The inhibition for of α-amylase by plant extracts in all the species was lower than that of Acarbose. In contrast, the inhibition of α-glucosidase by the plant extracts was higher than that of Acarbose for all the species except H. podocarpoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A validated UHPLC-HRMS method was developed to identify and quantify polar phenolic metabolites in the EtOH extract from H. aucheri Jaub. & Spach's aerial parts. The external standards, chlorogenic acid, mangiferin, and hyperoside were selected in this analysis. Forty-four compounds, encompassing hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives, benzophenones, catechins, xanthones, flavonols, biflavones, and chromones were detected and quantified in the aerial parts of the titled plant. Pentahydroxyxanthone-C-glycoside 15, maclurin-O-(benzoyl)-hexoside 37, norathyriol-O-(benzoyl)-hexosides 38 and 42 were suggested to be new natural compounds, while maclurin-O-hexoside 2 was reported for the first time for Hypericum genus. Additionally, more than 22 secondary metabolites, including benzophenones, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, catechins, and a chromone, were identified for the first time in H. aucheri. The amounts of the detected metabolites were calculated relative to external standards. The dominant polar phenolic constituents were chlorogenic acid (11.55 mg/g D.W.) and mangiferin (9.13 mg/g D.W.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypericum calycinum L. is a species of the genus Hypericum with pharmaceutical, ornamental, and landscape potential. To assess the salt and drought tolerance stress, in vitro cultures grown on media supplemented with different concentrations of NaCl (0; 10; 30; 50; 100 mM) and PEG 6000 (0; 10; 20; 30; 50 g/l) were used. After six weeks of in vitro culture under salinity and drought stress conditions, the following parameters were evaluated: viability, number of shoots, shoot length, rooting percentage, number of roots, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, water content, stress tolerance index (STI), and McKinney index (MKI). The viability of initial explants was higher under low salt stress (100% under 10 mM NaCl) compared to low drought stress (80% under 10 g/l PEG 6000). Drought stress caused a decrease in shoot height under all concentrations of PEG 6000, while the longest shoots (4.38 ± 0.22 cm) were obtained on the culture medium supplemented with 10 mM NaCl. The rooting percentage was 0% using concentrations of 30, 50, and 100 mM NaCl and 20, 30, and 50 g/l PEG. Our results showed that H. calycinum had a higher sensitivity to drought stress compared to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to guide decisionmaking, especially regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that are unfamiliar to orthodox healthcare providers. This systematic review aimed to critically review and summarise CAM recommendations associated with anxiety management included in the existing CPGs. Methods: Seven databases, websites of six international guidelines developing institutions, and the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health website were systematically searched. Their reporting and methodological quality were evaluated using the Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare checklist and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (2nd version) instrument, respectively. Results: Ten CPGs were included, with reporting rates between 51.4 and 88.6%. Seven of these were of moderate to high methodological quality. Seventeen CAM modalities were implicated, involving phytotherapeutics, mind--body practice, art therapy, and homeopathy. Applied relaxation was included in 70% CPGs, which varied in degree of support for its use in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. There were few recommendations for other therapies/products. Light therapy was not recommended for use in generalised anxiety disorder, and St John's wort and mindfulness were not recommended for use in social anxiety disorder in individual guidelines. Recommendations for the applicability of other therapies/products for treating a specific anxiety disorder were commonly graded as "unclear, unambiguous, or uncertain". No CAM recommendations were provided for separation anxiety disorder, specific phobia or selective mutism. Conclusion: Available guidelines are limited in providing logically explained graded CAM recommendations for anxiety treatment and care. A lack of high-quality evidence and multidisciplinary consultation during the guideline development are two major reasons. High quality and reliable clinical evidence and the engagement of a range of interdisciplinary stakeholders are needed for future CPG development and updating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the antifungal activity of ethanol extracts of three plant species of Hypericum perforatum, Hypericum scabrum and Hypericum origanifolium were evaluated for against two plant pathogenic fungal species of Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. The antifungal activities of Hypericum ssp. extracts (3, 15, 45, 80, 120, 200, 240, 300 ppm) were tested against fungi. Ethanol 30% as control; Commercial fungicide (1 gg/mL) was used as a positive control. All Hypericum ssp. plant extracts were effective in different rates against the fungi depending on the doses. In addition, IC50 values of the three selected plant Hypericum ssp. leaf extract against pathogenic fungus F.oxysporum and A. alternata were determined with of probit analysis. In terms of the IC50 values, the antifungal activity of H. perforatum plant exract against F.oxysporum (122.525 gg/mL) > A.alternata (108.484 gg/mL). On the other hand, IC50 values of H. scabrum against A.alternata (126.390 gg/mL) > F.oxysporum (113.714 gg/mL). Moreover, the IC50 value of H. origanifolium against two pathogenic fungi was calculated as F.oxysporum (159.931 gg/mL) > A.alternata (55.759 gg/mL). Results showed that H.origanifolium has the best fungicidal activity, with IC50 value of 55.759 gg/mL against A.alternata and H.scabrum 113.717 gg/mL against F.oxysporum. However, the highest concentrations (300 ppm) caused completely inhibition in the both fungi mycelial growth followed by lower concentrations of plant extracts. A. alternata were the sensitive fungal species, while the F. oxysporum were a more resistant to the Hypericum ssp. extracts. Based on the antifungal activity tests, these plants extracts this may have effective as the new natural fungicide protecting crops against fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature, more than 3000 studies have been carried out on species in the Hypericum genus in the last ten years, especially for H. perforatum. The importance of Hypericum species in traditional medicine and modern medicine is increasing day by day. From this point of view, the chemical composition of H. linarioides, H. helianthemoides, and H. lydium essential oils was analyzed by GC-MS/FID. In addition, their antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities along with their enzyme inhibitory potentials (cholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase, elastase and, collagenase) were defined. Also, in vitro and in silico studies of the major components of the species have been carried out on the studied enzymes. H. linarioides and H. helianthemoides were found to be rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (63.96% and 43.86%, respectively), and H. lydium in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (48.41%). The major components were indicated as α-pinene for H. linarioides (50.39%) and for H. helianthemoides (36.84%), and β-selinene for H. lydium (10.12%). H. lydium essential oil exhibited very high cytotoxic activity on breast cancer (MCF-7) (selectivity indices SI: 12) and colon cancer (HT-29) (SI: 2) cell lines. In particular, the selectivity indice value in MCF-7 cell lines of H. lydium could have natural therapeutic potential for breast cancer. H. lydium possessed neuropharmacological potential due to its high anticholinesterase activity. Since H. linarioides indicated high anti-aging potential (tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase enzyme inhibitory activities), it could be used in the cosmetic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Chemistry of Natural Compounds journal, explores the chemical composition of Hypericum przewalskii, a plant used in traditional medicine. The researchers extracted compounds from the plant and identified ten flavonoids, including a new compound. They then tested the cytotoxicity of these compounds on six human tumor cell lines. The article provides detailed information on the chemical structure and properties of each compound. The study found that certain flavonols exhibited the strongest cytotoxic activity, and that hydrophobic compounds with a flat structure were more effective than hydrophilic compounds with a stereostructure. The research was supported by the Natural Science Research Project of colleges and Universities in Anhui Province. [Extracted from the article]

This document is an editorial published in Frontiers in Pharmacology titled "Herbal medicines in pain management, volume II." The editorial discusses the prevalence and cost of chronic pain worldwide and the limitations of current medications in treating pain. It highlights the potential of herbal medicines as an alternative or adjunct therapy for pain management. The editorial introduces four articles included in the research topic, which focus on the treatment of specific cases of pathological pain using herbal formulations. The authors emphasize the need for clinical trials to validate the preclinical findings and encourage further research in this field. [Extracted from the article]

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is a medicinal plant from the Hypericaceae family. Here, we sequenced the whole chloroplast genome of H. perforatum and compared the genome variation among five Hypericum species to discover dynamic changes and elucidate the mechanisms that lead to genome rearrangements in the Hypericum chloroplast genomes. The H. perforatum chloroplast genome is 139,725 bp, exhibiting a circular quadripartite structure with two copies of inverted repeats (IRs) separating a large single-copy region and a small single-copy region. The H. perforatum chloroplast genome encodes 106 unique genes, including 73 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. Hypericum chloroplast genomes exhibit genome rearrangement and significant variations among species. The genome size variation among the five Hypericum species was remarkably associated with the expansion or contraction of IR regions and gene losses. Three genes—trnK-UUU, infA, and rps16—were lost, and three genes—rps7, rpl23, and rpl32—were pseudogenized in Hypericum. All the Hypericum chloroplast genomes lost the two introns in clpP, the intron in rps12, and the second intron in ycf3. Hypericum chloroplast genomes contain many long repeat sequences, suggesting a role in facilitating rearrangements. Most genes, according to molecular evolution assessments, are under purifying selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]