Hypericin

PhytochemicalNaphthodianthroneBest with a meal

What is it

Hypericin is a naphthodianthrone pigment produced by St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). It is one of the marker compounds (alongside hyperforin) used to standardize St. John's wort extracts.

Evidence for 2 uses

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Marker for St. John's wort standardization

Strong Evidence

Hypericin is the established marker compound for St. John's wort standardization, used in nearly all clinical trial-grade extracts.

Mild to moderate depression (as part of St. John's wort)

Strong Evidence

Cochrane and other meta-analyses support St. John's wort extracts for mild to moderate depression, though active component appears to be hyperforin more than hypericin.

How it works

Hypericin contributes to the photosensitizing properties of St. John's wort and has shown various activities in laboratory studies, but the antidepressant effects of St. John's wort are now thought to be mediated mainly by hyperforin rather than hypericin. Hypericin is largely used as a measurable standardization marker (often 0.3% in commercial extracts).

Dosage

St. John's wort extracts are usually standardized to 0.3% hypericin and dosed at 300 mg three times daily, delivering about 2.7 mg hypericin/day.

When and how to take it

St. John's wort containing hypericin is typically taken with meals. Avoid prolonged sun exposure at high doses.

1 commercial form

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St. John's wort extract standardized to hypericin

Most common form.

Hypericin and hyperforin both bioavailable; potency depends on extract type.

Safety

St. John's wort overall is generally well tolerated but has important drug interactions and risk of photosensitivity at high doses (mostly with isolated hypericin or very high extract doses).

Who should be cautious

Avoid combining with hormonal contraceptives, antiretrovirals, immunosuppressants, certain antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs), warfarin, and many others. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited safety data.

Interactions

St. John's wort (and the extracts containing hypericin) is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, with clinically significant interactions affecting many medications. Hypericin specifically can cause photosensitization.

Food sources

St. John's wort plant

Amount
varies
%DV
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Frequently asked questions

Is hypericin the same as St. John's wort?⌄

Hypericin is one of several compounds in St. John's wort and is the most common standardization marker. The whole-extract effects involve other constituents like hyperforin.

Can hypericin make me sun-sensitive?⌄

At high doses, hypericin causes photosensitization. At typical St. John's wort doses, this is uncommon but still worth knowing.

References

Hypericin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Hypericin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Hypericin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.