Several modes of reproduction were described in the genus Hypericum. Besides obligate sexuality, irregularities in meiosis, polyembryony and pseudogamous apomixis were noticed in various taxa of the genus. This review summarizes previous knowledge and also analyses evolutionary consequences of different breeding systems and possible employment of particular reproductive modes for breeding in th...

The páramos, high-elevation Andean grasslands ranging from ca. 2800 m to the snow line, harbor one of the fastest evolving biomes worldwide since their appearance in the northern Andes 3-5 million years (Ma) ago. Hypericum (St. John's wort), with over 65% of its Neotropical species, has a center of diversity in these high Mountain ecosystems. Using nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS)...

BACKGROUND Hypericum perforatum is a medicinal plant species containing many polyphenolic compounds, namely flavonoids and phenolic acids. In this study we evaluate the effect of Hypericum perforatum in animal model of periodontitis. METHODS Periodontitis was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by placing a nylon thread ligature around the lower 1st molars. Hypericum perforatum was admi...

The present study has been evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Hypericum perforatum extract on the reaction of astrocytes in mice brain treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (20 mg/kg with 2 hr intervals). Treatment with Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE) resulted in an inhibition of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity and reduced ...

This is the first evidence on successful Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated genetic transformation of two species from the genus Hypericum, H. tomentosum L. and H. tetrapterum Fries. Hairy root cultures were induced from root segments of both Hypericum species by two agropine wild-type strains of A. rhizogenes, ATCC 15834 and A4. The transgenic character of the hairy root cultures was proved by ...

BACKGROUND Extracts of the plant Hypericum perforatum L. (popularly called St. John's wort) have been used in folk medicine for a long time for a range of indications including depressive disorders. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether extracts of hypericum are more effective than placebo and as effective as standard antidepressants in the treatment of depressive disorders in adults; and whether...

In Germany, hypericum extracts are among the most widely prescribed antidepressants. Additionally, many preparations of St. John's wort are sold on the free market and one extract is even the best selling antidepressant in the country. In contrast to synthetic antidepressants, the approval procedures are not so strict, which implies that the pharmaceutical industry is not forced to conduct clin...

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a perennial flowering plant, has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and has most recently been identified as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. Clinical studies on the use of this plant for depression have utilized liquid tinctures and standardized solid extracts (0.3% hypericin--300 mg three times a day). Severe depression...

A new phloroglucinol diglycoside 1, together with eight known compounds, were isolated from Hypericum japonicum Thunb. The structure of the new compound 1 was determined by spectroscopic methods to be 4,6-dimethyl-5-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl] multifidol. Different solvent extracts of Hypericum japonicum Thunb. were tested for in vivo antihypoxic activity using mi...

The dried aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum, gathered during the flowering period or shortly before, are used medicinally. The generic name of the herb derives from the Greek meaning to ‘overcome an apparition’ and in earlier times homes would have a plant hanging over the door to ward off evil spirits. This species of hypericum (H. perforatum) is referred to as perforate St John’s wort due ...