Variation of total hypericin, phenolic and flavonoid compounds in Hypericum triquetrifolium during its phenological cycle

The genus Hypericum (Hypericaceae) contains a variety of structurally diverse natural products which possess a wide array of biological properties. The present study examined quantitative variations in total hypericin, phenols, and flavonoids in Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra. in relation to phenological development. Plant material was harvested at different phenological stages (vegetative, full flowering, and mature fruiting stages). The amounts of bioactive compounds in whole shoots were assayed. The highest total hypericin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents were observed at the full flowering stage.