hypericin

Hypericin is a naturally occurring carbopolycyclic compound and phenanthroperylene quinone found in various species of the genus *Hypericum*, most notably *Hypericum perforatum* (St. John’s wort)[1][4]. It is structurally complex and photosensitive. Traditionally used in folk medicine as part of St. John’s wort extracts for its antidepressant properties[1][4], hypericin has more recently been investigated as a multifunctional agent with antineoplastic (anticancer), antiviral (notably against HIV and hepatitis C), photodynamic therapeutic (PDT), and diagnostic applications[2][3][4][5]. Its mechanism of action includes photodynamic activation leading to free radical production for cancer therapy; it also exhibits inhibitory effects on several enzymes such as monoamine oxidase (MAO), protein kinase C (PKC), dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, reverse transcriptase, telomerase and cytochrome P450[4]. Synthetic forms are under clinical investigation for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma using topical administration with light activation[7][10].

Brand names

HyBryte

Other names

hypericinHIPERICINHipericinaHypéricineHypericum redHyperizin