Planta Med 2007; 73(6): 564-566
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-967198
Pharmacology
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Antimicrobial Activity of Seven Hypericum Entities from Central Italy

Cinzia Cecchini1 , Alberto Cresci1 , Maria Magdalena Coman1 , Massimo Ricciutelli2 , Gianni Sagratini2 , Sauro Vittori2 , Domenico Lucarini3 , Filippo Maggi3
  • 1University of Camerino, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Department of Comparative Morphology and Biochemistry, Camerino, Italy
  • 2University of Camerino, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Chemical Sciences, Camerino, Italy
  • 3University of Camerino, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Environmental Sciences, Section of Botany and Ecology, Camerino, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received: January 31, 2007 Revised: April 5, 2007

Accepted: April 15, 2007

Publication Date:
22 May 2007 (online)

Abstract

Methanol-acetone extracts from aerial parts of seven entities of the genus Hypericum [H. perforatum L. subsp. perforatum, H. perforatum L. subsp. veronense (Schrank) Ces., H. montanum L., H. hyssopifolium Chaix, H. hirsutum L., H. hircinum L. subsp. majus (Aiton) N. Robson, H. tetrapterum Fr.] growing in the Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano (central Italy) were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and the yeast Candida albicans, by the Kirby-Bauer agar diffusion method. The two H. perforatum subspecies were particularly active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, supporting the use of these plants in the traditional medicine of central Italy to treat wounds, skin and infectious diseases. However significant values of inhibition were given also by H. hirsutum against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, and by H. hyssopifolium, H. hircinum subsp. majus and H. tetrapterum against C. albicans. These results suggest that hypericin and hyperforin are the main components responsible for antimicrobial activity, but not the only ones, as other extracts, showing a low level of these compounds, possess evident activity. Isolation of pure compounds from the most active extracts is in progress.

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Dr. F. Maggi

University of Camerino

Faculty of Pharmacy

Department of Environmental Sciences

Section of Botany and Ecology

via Pontoni 5

62032 Camerino

Italy

Phone: +39-0737-404-506

Fax: +39-0737-404-508

Email: filippo.maggi@unicam.it