Screening for the presence of hypericins in Southern Brazilian species of Hypericum

Eight species of Hypericum (H. brasiliense, H. caprifoliatum, H. carinatum, H. connatum, H. cordatum, H. myrianthum, H. piriai and H. polyanthemum) growing in southern Brazil were analyzed by TLC and HPLC for the presence of hypericin and pseudohypericin. Although these polycyclic quinones have been identified in some Hypericum species, they were not detectable in the presently assessed samples. The chemotaxonomy of the taxon is briefly discussed.