COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM AND HYPERICUM HIRSUTUM (HYPERICACEAE)

Abstract

The present research focused on comparative phytochemical analysis of Hypericum perforatum and H. hirsutum aerial parts harvested from different areas of Transylvania (Romania). Total flavonoids and total hypericins for several samples of natural products were determined by spectrophotometric methods, while the identification and quantitative analysis of polyphenolic compounds by HPLC/UV/MS, and hypericin and hyperforin by LC/MS methods. The content in bioactive compounds was higher in H. perforatum compared with H. hirsutum: flavonoids (3.88-5.19% and 1.92-3.58%, respectively), and total hypericins (0.42-0.65% and 0.13-0.29% respectively). Major differences between the two species were observed: rutin and hyperoside were the main polyphenols in H. perforatum extract, while in H. hirsutum isoquercitrin and hyperoside were predominants, and rutin was found only in traces. Significantly higher amounts of hyperforin and hypericin were determined by LC/MS in H. perforatum extract.