Developing a new high performance thin layer chromatography method for quantitative estimation of Hyperforin in Hypericum perforatum

The present paper deals with development and standardization of HPTLC method used for quantification of Hyperforin in Hypericum perforatum L. Hypericum perforatum L. commonly known as St. John’s wort, is a plant of the family Hypericaceae, is today most widely known as a herbal treatment for depression. One of its constituents, Hyperforin, appears to be responsible for its pharmacological activity. Hence, a need to develop and standardize an analytical method for quantification of Hyperforin, which can be used for standardization of extract of Hypericum perforatum. An attempt has been made to quantify Hyperforin in Hypericum perforatum extracts by HPTLC method. The lowest detectable limit of Hyperforin was found upto 100 nanograms and provides good resolution and separation of Hyperforin from other constituents of Hypericum perforatum. Further, recovery values of Hyperforin were found to be about 96%, which shows the reliability and suitability of the method. This HPTLC method was found to be reproducible, accurate and precise. The structure of isolated Hyperforin was characterized and confirmed by various advanced spectroscopic methods.