In silico prediction of polyketide biosynthetic gene clusters in the genomes of Hypericum-borne endophytic fungi.

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.

Biological activities of Hypericum spectabile extract optimized using artificial neural network combined with genetic algorithm application.

Optimizing extraction conditions can help maximize the efficiency and yield of the extraction process while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. For the purpose of the current study, an artificial neural network (ANN) combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) was utilized for that the extraction conditions of Hypericum spectabile were optimized. In this particular investigation, the main objective was to get the highest possible levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) for the extracts that were obtained. In addition to this, conditions of the extract that exhibited the maximum activity have been determined and the biological activity of the extract that was obtained under these conditions was analyzed. TAS values were obtained from extracts obtained using extraction temperatures of 30-60 °C, extraction times of 4-10 h, and extract concentrations of 0.25-2 mg/mL. The best model selected from the established ANN models had a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value of 0.643%, a mean squared error (MSE) value of 0.004, and a correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.996, respectively. The genetic algorithm proposed optimal extraction conditions of an extraction temperature of 59.391 °C, an extraction time of 8.841 h, and an extraction concentration of 1.951 mg/mL. It was concluded that the integration of ANN-GA can successfully be used to optimize extraction parameters of Hypericum spectabile. The total antioxidant value of the extract obtained under optimum conditions was determined as 9.306 ± 0.080 mmol/L, total oxidant value as 13.065 ± 0.112 µmol/L, oxidative stress index as 0.140 ± 0.001. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 109.34 ± 1.29 mg/g, total flavonoid content (TFC) was measured as 148.34 ± 1.48 mg/g. Anti-AChE value was determined as 30.68 ± 0.77 µg/mL, anti-BChE value was determined as 41.30 ± 0.48 µg/mL. It was also observed that the extract exhibited strong antiproliferative activities depending on the increase in concentration. As a result of LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract produced under optimum conditions in terms of phenolic content. The presence of fumaric, gallic, protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, 2-hydoxycinamic acids, quercetin and kaempferol was detected. As a result, it was determined that the H. spectabile extract produced under optimum conditions had significant effects in terms of biological activity.

Biosynthesis of polyprenylated xanthones in Hypericum perforatum roots involves 4-prenyltransferase.

Polyprenylated xanthones are natural products with a multitude of biological and pharmacological activities. However, their biosynthetic pathway is not completely understood. In this study, metabolic profiling revealed the presence of 4-prenylated 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone derivatives in St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) root extracts. Transcriptomic data mining led to the detection of 5 variants of xanthone 4-prenyltransferase (HpPT4px) comprising 4 long variants (HpPT4px-v1 to HpPT4px-v4) and 1 short variant (HpPT4px-sh). The full-length sequences of all 5 variants were cloned and heterologously expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Microsomes containing HpPT4px-v2, HpPT4px-v4, and HpPT4px-sh catalyzed the addition of a prenyl group at the C-4 position of 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone; 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone; and 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone, whereas microsomes harboring HpPT4px-v1 and HpPT4px-v3 additionally accepted 1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone. HpPT4px-v1 produced in Nicotiana benthamiana displayed the same activity as in yeast, while HpPT4px-sh was inactive. The kinetic parameters of HpPT4px-v1 and HpPT4px-sh chosen as representative variants indicated 1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone as the preferred acceptor substrate, rationalizing that HpPT4px catalyzes the first prenylation step in the biosynthesis of polyprenylated xanthones in H. perforatum. Dimethylallyl pyrophosphate was the exclusive prenyl donor. Expression of the HpPT4px transcripts was highest in roots and leaves, raising the question of product translocation. C-terminal yellow fluorescent protein fusion of HpPT4px-v1 localized to the envelope of chloroplasts in N. benthamiana leaves, whereas short, truncated, and masked signal peptides led to the disruption of plastidial localization. These findings pave the way for a better understanding of the prenylation of xanthones in plants and the identification of additional xanthone-specific prenyltransferases.

Highly Compressible, Superabsorbent, and Biocompatible Hybrid Cryogel Constructs Comprising Functionalized Chitosan and St. John's Wort Extract.

Biobased porous hydrogels enriched with phytocompounds-rich herbal extracts have aroused great interest in recent years, especially in healthcare. In this study, new macroporous hybrid cryogel constructs comprising thiourea-containing chitosan (CSTU) derivative and a Hypericum perforatum L. extract (HYPE), commonly known as St John's wort, were prepared by a facile one-pot ice-templating strategy. Benefiting from the strong interactions between the functional groups of the CSTU matrix and those of polyphenols in HYPE, the hybrid cryogels possess excellent liquid absorption capacity, mechanical resilience, antioxidant performance, and a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity simultaneously. Thus, owing to their design, the hybrid constructs exhibit an interconnected porous architecture with the ability to absorb over 33 and 136 times their dry weight, respectively, when contacted with a phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) and an acidic aqueous solution (pH 2). These cryogel constructs have extremely high compressive strengths ranging from 839 to 1045 kPa and withstand elevated strains of over 70% without developing fractures. Moreover, the water-swollen hybrid cryogels with the highest HYPE content revealed a complete and instant shape recovery after uniaxial compression. The incorporation of HYPE into CSTU cryogels enabled substantial improvement in scavenging reactive oxygen species and an expanded antibacterial spectrum toward multiple pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and fungi (Candida albicans). Cell viability experiments demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the 3D cryogel constructs, which did not induce changes in the fibroblast morphology. This work showcases a simple and effective strategy to immobilize HYPE extracts on CSTU 3D networks, allowing the development of novel multifunctional platforms with promising potential in hemostasis, wound dressing, and dermal regeneration scaffolds.

Patumantanes A-D, seco-Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols with Diverse Carbon Skeletons from Hypericum patulum.

Patumantanes A-D (1-4), four new seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) were isolated from Hypericum patulum. Patumantane A (1) was an unprecedented 1,2-seco-homoadamantane-type PPAP bearing a new 3,7-dioxatetracyclo[7.7.0.01,6.111,15]heptadecane architecture based on a 6/7/5/6 ring system. Patumantane B (2) was a unique 1,9-seco-adamantane-type PPAP with a tricyclo[4.4.4.0.02,12]tridecane core formed by a 6/6/6 carbon skeleton, and the further breakage between C-5 and C-9 decorated patumantane C (3) with the 9-nor-adamantane skeleton. More importantly, compounds 2 and 3 exhibited moderate immunosuppressive activity on Con A-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, with IC50 values of 5.6 ± 1.2 and 11.2 ± 1.2 µM, respectively.

Leaf Rust Pathogens on Hypericum pseudohenryi: Describing Melampsora danbaensis sp. nov. and M. hyperici-pseudohenryi sp. nov. from China.

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.

Discovery of PXR agonists from Hypericum japonicum: A class of novel nonaromatic acylphloroglucinol-terpenoid adducts.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) has been considered as a promising therapeutic target for cholestasis due to its crucial regulation in bile acid biosynthesis and metabolism. To search promising natural PXR agonists, the PXR agonistic activities of five traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with hepatoprotective efficacy were assayed, and Hypericum japonicum as the most active one was selected for subsequent phytochemical investigation, which led to the isolation of eight nonaromatic acylphloroglucinol-terpenoid adducts including seven new compounds (1 - 4, 5a, 5b and 6). Their structures including absolute configurations were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic, computational and X-ray diffraction analysis. Meanwhile, the PXR agonistic activities of aplenty compounds were evaluated via dual-luciferase reporter assay, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Among them, compounds 1 - 4 showed more potent activity than the positive drug rifampicin. Furthermore, the molecular docking revealed that 1 - 4 were docked well on the PXR ligand binding domain and formed hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues Gln285, Ser247 and His409. This investigation revealed that H. japonicum may serve as a rich source of natural PXR agonists.

New polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with antidepressant activities from Hypericum perforatum L.

Six new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), hyperidiones A-F (1-6), were obtained from Hypericum perforatum L. Their structures were characterized via extensive spectroscopic analyses, the circular dichroism data of the in situ formed [Mo2(OCOCH3)4] complexes, the nuclear magnetic resonance calculation with DP4 + probability analysis, and the calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-6 are bicyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with a major bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,4,9-trione skeleton. Notably, compound 1 is a rare PPAP with a hydroperoxy group, and a plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 was proposed. Compounds 4 and 6 exhibited significant neuroprotective effects under 10 µM against corticosterone (CORT)-injured SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, compound 4 demonstrated a noteworthy antidepressant effect at the dose of 5 mg/kg in the tail suspension test (TST) of mice, which was equivalent to 5 mg/kg of fluoxetine. And it potentially exerted an antidepressant effect through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

(±)-Hypernumqulins A-H: Eight pairs of unexpected [2+2] cycloaddition sesquiterpenoid alkaloid with 6/6/6/4/10 ring system from Hypericum monogynum L.

(±)-Hypernumqulins A-H (1-8), eight pairs of enantiomeric quinoline alkaloids fused with an isopentenyl and a germacrane-type sesquiterpenoid, featuring an unprecedented skeleton with 6/6/6/4/10 ring system, were isolated from Hypericum monogynum L. under the guidance of molecular networking strategy. Their structures including absolute configuration were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy analysis, X-ray crystallography and quantum chemical calculation. The proposed [2+2] cycloaddition may play a key biogenic step in building the unexpected skeleton. Most of the isolates exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 2.82 ± 0.03 to 45.25 ± 1.26 µM against MCF-7, A549 or SGC7901 cells. Furthermore, compounds (±)-1 and (-)-1 could induce apoptosis by upregulating the protein expression level of Bax and downregulating of Bcl-2 in MCF-7 cells. These findings provided the first example of germacrane sesquiterpene quinoline alkaloids, and supported the possibilities for the development of new anti-tumor agents.

Hypericum alpestre extract exhibits in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties by regulating the cellular antioxidant system and metabolic pathway of L-arginine.

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.

Hypericum sampsonii ameliorates radiodermatitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

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-1ß, 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-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. H. sampsonii significantly down-regulated the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1, pro IL-1ß, and IL-1ß. Lps-induced activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway promotes the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1ß, 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.

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.

The potential role of Hypericum perforatum in wound healing: A literature review on the phytochemicals, pharmacological approaches, and mechanistic perspectives.

St. John's Wort, commonly known as Hypericum perforatum L., is a flowering plant in the Clusiaceae family that traditionally been employed for treating anxiety, depression, wounds, burns, sunburn, irritation, and stomach ailments. This review provides a synopsis of H. perforatum L. phytoconstituents and their biological effects, highlighting its beneficial therapeutic properties for dermatological indications, as well as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic activity in various applications including wound healing and skin conditions such as eczema, sun burn and minor burns also spastic paralysis, stiff neck and mood disorders as anti-depressant and nerve pains such as neuralgia. The data were collected from several databases as Web of Science PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Google Scholar using the terms: "H. perforatum L.", "H. perforatum L. /phytochemistry," and "H. perforatum extracts/wound healing" collected from 1994 to 2023. The findings suggest H. perforatum L. acts through various mechanisms and plays a role in each phase of the wound healing process, including re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, wound contraction, and connective tissue regeneration. H. perforatum L. enhances collagen deposition, decreases inflammation, inhibits fibroblast migration, and promotes epithelialization by increasing the number of fibroblasts with polygonal shape and the number of collagen fibers within fibroblasts. H. Perforatum L. extracts modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation were found to accelerate the wound healing process via inhibition of inflammatory mediators' production like interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Thus, H. perforatum L. represents a potential remedy for a wide range of dermatological problems, owing to its constituents with beneficial therapeutic properties. H. perforatum L. could be utilized in the development of novel wound healing therapies.

The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Reducing pain and improving physical function are critical in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although individuals use St. John's Wort oil to relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, no scientific research has been found investigating its effectiveness. AIM: This study investigated the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This study adopted a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and qualitative mixed design. The sample consisted of 60 patients randomized into intervention (n = 30) and placebo control (n=30) groups. The experimental group participants were treated with topically St. John's Wort oil three times a week for 3 weeks, and the placebo control group participants were treated with olive oil three times a week for 3 weeks. Quantitative data were collected using a patient identification form, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Visual Analogue Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The experimental group had a significantly lower mean Visual Analog Scale score in the first, third, and fourth follow-ups than the control group. The experimental group had significantly lower mean WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-stiffness, and WOMAC-physical function subscale scores in the last follow-up than in the first follow-up. The qualitative data agreed with the quantitative data. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that St. John's Wort oil helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and become physically more active. Additional research is warranted to better understand the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Chemical profiling of botanical extracts obtained in NADES systems using centrifugal partition chromatography combined with 13 C NMR dereplication-Hypericum perforatum as a case study.

INTRODUCTION: Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as interesting extractants to develop botanical ingredients. They are nontoxic and biodegradable, nonflammable, easy to prepare, and able to solubilize a wide range of molecules. However, NADES extracts remain difficult to analyze because the metabolites of interest stay highly diluted in the nonvolatile viscous NADES matrix. OBJECTIVE: This study presents a robust analytical workflow for the chemical profiling of NADES extracts. It is applied to Hypericum perforatum aerial parts extracted with the neutral mixture fructose/glycerol/water (3/1/1, w/w/w), and compared to the chemical profiling of a classical dry methanol extract. METHODS: Exploiting polarity differences between metabolites, the H. perforatum NADES extract was partitioned in a liquid-liquid solvent system to trap the hydrophilic NADES constituents in the lower phase. The upper phase, containing a diversity of secondary metabolites from H. perforatum, was fractionated by centrifugal partition chromatography. All fractions were chemically investigated using a 13 C NMR dereplication method which involves hierarchical clustering analysis of the whole NMR dataset, a natural metabolite database for metabolite identification, and 2D NMR analyses for validation. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses were also performed to complete the identification process. RESULTS: A range of 21 metabolites were unambiguously identified, including glycosylated flavonols, lactones, catechins, phenolic acids, lipids, and simple sugars, and 15 additional minor extract constituents were annotated by LC-MS based on exact mass measurements. CONCLUSION: The proposed identification process is rapid and nondestructive and provides good prospects to deeply characterize botanical extracts obtained in nonvolatile and viscous NADES systems.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Activities of Different Anatomical Parts of Hypericum cordifolium Choisy.

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.

Antidepressant polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum ascyron.

Phytochemical investigation on the 90% EtOH extract of the air-dried aerial parts of Hypericum ascyron resulted in the isolation of three new polycyclic polyprenylated derivatives ascyronines A-C (1-3). Structural elucidation of all the compounds was performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy. All the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols were evaluated for their antidepressant activity by inhibiting the reuptake of tritiated serotonin ([3H]-5-HT) and noradrenalinet ([3H]-NE) in rat brain synaptosomes. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited weak antidepressant activities in the [3H]-5-HT mode.

Apolar Extracts of St. John's Wort Alleviate the Effects of ß-Amyloid Toxicity in Early Alzheimer's Disease.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) has been described to be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Different extractions have demonstrated efficiency in mice and humans, esp. extracts with a low hypericin and hyperforin content to reduce side effects such as phototoxicity. In order to systematically elucidate the therapeutic effects of H. perforatum extracts with different polarities, APP-transgenic mice were treated with a total ethanol extract (TE), a polar extract obtained from TE, and an apolar supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extract. The scCO2 extract was formulated with silicon dioxide (SiO2) for better oral application. APP-transgenic mice were treated with several extracts (total, polar, apolar) at different concentrations. We established an early treatment paradigm from the age of 40 days until the age of 80 days, starting before the onset of cerebral ß-amyloid (Aß) deposition at 45 days of age. Their effects on intracerebral soluble and insoluble Aß were analyzed using biochemical analyses. Our study confirms that the scCO2H. perforatum formulation shows better biological activity against Aß-related pathological effects than the TE or polar extracts. Clinically, the treatment resulted in a dose-dependent improvement in food intake with augmentation of the body weight, and, biochemically, it resulted in a significant reduction in both soluble and insoluble Aß (-27% and -25%, respectively). We therefore recommend apolar H. perforatum extracts for the early oral treatment of patients with mild cognitive impairment or early AD.

Phytochemical Analysis, Biological Activities, and Docking of Phenolics from Shoot Cultures of Hypericum perforatum L. Transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes.

Hypericum perforatum transformed shoot lines (TSL) regenerated from corresponding hairy roots and non-transformed shoots (NTS) were comparatively evaluated for their phenolic compound contents and in vitro inhibitory capacity against target enzymes (monoamine oxidase-A, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and cholesterol esterase). Molecular docking was conducted to assess the contribution of dominant phenolic compounds to the enzyme-inhibitory properties of TSL samples. The TSL extracts represent a rich source of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and procyanidins, quercetin aglycone and glycosides, anthocyanins, naphthodianthrones, acyl-phloroglucinols, and xanthones. Concerning in vitro bioactivity assays, TSL displayed significantly higher acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-amylase, pancreatic lipase, and cholesterol esterase inhibitory properties compared to NTS, implying their neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential. The docking data revealed that pseudohypericin, hyperforin, cadensin G, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid are superior inhibitors of selected enzymes, exhibiting the lowest binding energy of ligand-receptor complexes. Present data indicate that H. perforatum transformed shoots might be recognized as an excellent biotechnological system for producing phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits.

Four New Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum perforatum L.

Hyperforatums A-D (1-4), four new polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, together with 13 known compounds were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort). Their structures were confirmed with a comprehensive analysis comprising spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Hyperforatum A featured an unusual chromene-1,4-dione bicyclic system, and hyperforatums B and C were two rare monocyclic PPAPs with five-membered furanone cores. Compound 1 exhibited a moderate inhibition effect on NO production in BV-2 microglial cells stimulated by LPS.