Investigation of stability of Hypericum perforatum l. total extract due to temperature and humidity

Hypericum perforatum L. has been used to treat a variety of medical illnesses for centuries [1]. Stability represents a crucial part of the testing program for drug substances [2]. Meanwhile the stability problems of the constituents of the species is known [2–6]. However the stability of the total extract considering the heat and humidity under ICH test conditions has not been published. In this study total methanolic extract of Hypericum perforatum is investigated for stability including ten active molecules (hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin, chlorogenic acid, rutin, hiperoside, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, quercetin, amentoflavone) due to the temperature and humidity for six months. As a result, degradation percentage of each molecule due to stability testing conditions were determined. Flavonoids were less effected in storing conditions. While chlorogenic acid amount was rising in forth month degragation over 32% was determined in the end. Hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin degradated more than 50% in 40°C, 75% Humidity.

Acknowledgement: Authors are thankful to Research and Application Center of Drug Development and Pharmocokinetics (ARGEFAR) and Prof. Dr. Ulvi Zeybek for facilities.

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