The Production of Dianthrones and Phloroglucinol Derivatives in St. John’s Wort

Abstract

The effectiveness of the phytochemical arsenal of St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) may be due to the plant’s use of interacting phytochemicals to accomplish many complementary tasks. H. perforatum produces several types of biologically active compounds, including the hypericins, a family of dianthrones, and the hyperforins, a family of prenylated acylphloroglucinols. These compounds are known for their multitarget activities. While the pharmaceutical benefits of these compounds are obvious, the physiological functions of these compounds in the plant itself have yet to be elucidated. In this chapter, we address several important topics relevant to the production of dianthrones and phloroglucinol derivatives in St. John’s wort. We discuss up-to-date information concerning the biosynthesis of hypericin and hyperforin in the mature plant, and highlight biotechnology-driven initiatives concerned with the production of hypericin and hyperforin. This treatise concludes with a perspective on new directions for hypericin and hyperforin production in St. John’s wort. The primary conclusion that arises from this treatise is that although we still do not understand fully how hypericins and hyperforin are synthesized in St. John’s wort, the biotechnological aspects involved in regulating the production of these compounds in intact plants and in vitro cultures have been elucidated over the past several years.