2024, Vol. 12, Issue 4, Part E

author(s)
Parul Sharma

abstract
Hypericum androsaemum L., native to the Mediterranean region, is renowned for its broad spectrum of medicinal properties, including diuretic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antihemorrhoidal, antidepressant, and skin-protective effects. This review consolidates the pharmacognostic insights into this species, emphasizing its rich phenolic profile, including chlorogenic acids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), and xanthones. The plant's extracts have demonstrated strong antioxidant capabilities, with its fruits notably exhibiting cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines. Additionally, H. androsaemum shows promise in immunomodulation, DNA protection, anti-glycation, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory activities. It also promotes fibroblast proliferation and migration, inhibits collagenase and tyrosinase, and provides UV protection without phototoxic effects, making it a valuable candidate for skincare formulations. Furthermore, H. androsaemum extracts display biocidal activity against a range of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, mollusks, and insects, while maintaining low toxicity toward normal cells at minimal concentrations. However, the high hyperforin content raises concerns about the safety of oral consumption, warranting cautious consideration.