An overview on Hypericum species of Turkey

The genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) is represented by nearly 80 species grouped under 20 sections in Turkey. Among them 36 species are endemic. Most of them, mainly H. perforatum, are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of burns, wounds, hemorroid, diarrhoea and ulcers. Investigations on Turkish Hypericum species are carried out for about 25 years. Published data is reviewed and evaluated in this presentation.

Chemical composition and hypericin percentage comparing with H. perforatum were determined in 23 species.

12 species were investigated for their biological activities such as wound healing, hepatoprotective, antiinflammatory, antiulcerogenic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antinociceptive and antidepressant activity.

Variation factors on the hypericin content and agronomic characters were also evaluated in some species. Hypericum species are the most popular herbal medicine in Turkey. Investigations on their chemistry and biological activities have proved his traditional uses.

Hypericum species are used in folk medicine as infusion and macerate in olive oil. Only Hypericum perforatum exists in pharmaceutical form. „St. John's Wort“ capsules are imported and saled in pharmacies.