A current review of the antimicrobial activity of Hypericum perforatum L.
A petrolether extract of the areal parts of Hypericum perforatum L. was reported to be active against gram-positive bacteria. Hyperforin, a phloroglucin derivative was shown to be the antimicrobial principle. Hyperforin exhibited an excellent effect against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 1.0 microg/ml. A butanol fraction of St. John's Wort revealed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MIC values ranging between 15.6 and 31.2 microg/ml. Recently, hydrous solutions of Hypericum perforatum teas were found to be antimicrobially effective against gram-positive bacteria with special activity towards methicillin-restistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC values: 1.3 to 2.5 mg herb/ml).
Reichling
J
J
Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Heidelberg, Germany. Juergen.Reichling@t-online.de
Weseler
A
A
Saller
R
R
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001643:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; D006801:Humans; D020902:Hypericum; D010696:Phloroglucinol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013729:Terpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001643:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013729:Terpenes; D010696:Phloroglucinol; C001654:hyperforin