Secondary metabolites of medicinal use in Hypericum spp.: a rich history and a promising future
Stefania Poulaki | Konstantinos Vlachonasios
The genus Hypericum, which comprises over 450 species worldwide, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is now known for its antidepressant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the biosynthesis of the main bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for the pharmaceutical applications of plants, particularly hypericin and hyperforin. In addition, this review highlights the importance of other chemical constituents in Hypericum, such as xanthones and flavonoids, which contribute to the pharmacological potential of the genus. Hypericin, a naphthodianthrone, has been shown to have remarkable pharmacological effects, particularly as a potential anticancer agent. On the other hand, hyperforin, a polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol, has been identified as a potent antidepressant. Recent advances in transcriptomics, metabolomics, and genomics have identified novel genes and enzymatic pathways that facilitate the biosynthesis of these compounds, providing valuable insights into their formation. Despite these advances, further research is essential to fully characterize the biosynthetic pathways and optimize the production of bioactive compounds in Hypericum species.
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