The influence of extraction solvents on the antioxidant potential of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

Abstract

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort) is medicinal plant with high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumoral activities, used in treatments of many diseases. In this paper content of polyphenols compounds (total phenols, tannins and flavonoids) and antioxidant potential of methanol, ethanol, acetone and aqueous extracts of Hyperici herba were evaluated. The highest concentration of total phenols and total tannins were found in acetone extracts. The highest total flavonoids amount was detected in alcohol extracts. Acetone extracts showed the strongest antioxidant capacity.