Variation in contents of hypericin and flavonoids in Hypericum maculatum (Hypericaceae) from Lithuania

Abstract

This study, carried out in 2004–2005, describes the variation of hypericin and flavonoid contents in different accessions of Hypericum maculatum. Flowering tops of H. maculatum were collected and analysed for hypericin and flavonoids using HPLC. The contents of hypericin ranged from 0.35–0.95 mg/g; flavonoid contents varied as follows: hyperoside – 16.66–40.89 mg/g, quercitrin – 0.00 to 1.07 mg/g and quercetin – 1.46– 4.96 mg/g. The study indicated that flavonoid rutin was absent from the flavonoid pattern of H. maculatum, or present only in trace amounts (0.00–0.67 mg/g), however, H. maculatum is one of the most important sources of hyperoside. The accessions of H. maculatum, which accumulated high levels of flavonoids, seem to be promising for further breeding.