A petrolether extract of the areal parts of Hypericum perforatum L. was reported to be active against gram-positive bacteria. Hyperforin, a phloroglucin
derivative was shown to be the antimicrobial principle. Hyperforin exhibited an excellent
effect against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 1.0 µg/ml. A butanol fraction of St. John’s Wort revealed anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MIC values ranging between 15.6 and 31.2 µg/ml. Recently, hydrous
solutions of Hypericum perforatum teas were found to be antimicrobially effective against gram-positive bacteria with
special activity towards methicillin-restistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC values: 1.3 to 2.5 mg herb/ml).
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Prof. Dr. Jürgen Reichling
Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie
Universität Heidelberg
Im Neuenheimer Feld 364
69120 Heidelberg
Germany
eMail: Juergen.Reichling@t-online.de
eMail: Juergen.Reichling@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
