Morphological and chemical evaluation on Hypericum perforatum and H. maculatum in Lithuania

Abstract

An increasing demand for Hyperici herba has caused the evaluation of this genus in all Europe. Hypericum perforatum L. and H. maculatum Cranz are common species in Lithuania. The aim of the investigations was to examine indigenous populations and field accessions of these species in respect to morphological characters and chemical constituents. The results of evaluation revealed high morphological diversity in both species. The t-test comparison showed the difference of characters from wild and field. The content of flavonoids and hypericin varied highly in species, different accessions, and parts of the plant. Significant differences were detected in the mean concentrations of quercetin, hypericin, rutin and hyperoside+isoquercetrin in flowers and leaves of both species. The flavonoid content appeared to be more constant character in both species. The poorer growth and lower mean concentrations of secondary metabolites were discovered in H. maculatum. The germplasm of Hypericum may be a potential source of genetic variation to allow selecting the valuable material for breeding.