Hyperoside

PhytochemicalFlavonoid glycoside

What is it

Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) is a flavonol glycoside found in St. John's wort, hawthorn, and many berries. It is one of the standardization markers for St. John's wort and hawthorn extracts.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Depression (via St. John's wort)

Strong Evidence

Standardized St. John's wort extracts (containing hyperoside) show efficacy comparable to SSRIs for mild-to-moderate depression in meta-analyses.

Heart failure (via hawthorn)

Good Evidence

Hawthorn extracts (containing hyperoside) show modest symptomatic improvement in mild heart failure.

How it works

Hyperoside is hydrolyzed in the gut to quercetin, which provides most of the systemic activity. Quercetin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antiplatelet effects. In St. John's wort, hyperoside contributes alongside hyperforin to the herb's antidepressant activity. In hawthorn, it contributes to cardioprotective effects. Isolated hyperoside is not commonly sold; rather it appears as a marker in standardized extracts.

Dosage

St. John's wort extracts: 300-900 mg/day standardized to 0.3% hypericin or hyperforin. Hawthorn extracts: 600-1800 mg/day.

When and how to take it

Follow product-specific instructions.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

St. John's wort extract

Most common practical source.

Standardized; significant drug interactions.

Hawthorn extract

Cardiovascular use.

Standardized to flavonoids or oligomeric procyanidins.

Safety

Depends on the parent extract. St. John's wort is generally safe but has major drug interactions. Hawthorn is well tolerated.

Who should be cautious

Patients on prescription medications, especially CYP3A4 substrates; pregnancy.

Interactions

Through St. John's wort, hyperoside-containing extracts can induce CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing levels of many medications (oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants, antiretrovirals, warfarin).

Food sources

Berries (1 cup)

Amount
small amount
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is hyperoside an antidepressant?⌄

It contributes to St. John's wort's effect, but it's not the only active. The whole-extract effect matters.

Are drug interactions a concern?⌄

Yes, through the parent St. John's wort extract. Check medications carefully.

References

Hyperoside on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Hyperoside (ChEBI:67486) — ChEBI link

Hyperoside (PubChem CID 5281643) — PubChem link

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

Research on Hyperoside (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.