Hypericum genus cosmeceutical application - A decade comprehensive review on its multifunctional biological properties uri icon

abstract

  • Hypericum is a genus of flowering plants and presents a nearly worldwide distribution. The relevance of its species is mainly based on the occurrence of specialised secondary metabolites exhibiting a wide range of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical properties. The most well-reported species in the last decade is H. perforatum, together with its exceptional polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols metabolites. Several inhibitory enzyme properties such as anti-tyrosinase, anti-hyaluronidase, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase, along with the relevant cosmeceutical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, have been reported in numerous biological studies concerning this genus. From 2010 to date were published more than 3000 articles; therefore, an updated summary of Hypericum species and their related cosmeceutical bioactive compounds is necessary. This detailed analysis will be mainly focused on cosmeceutical-related bioactivity, phytochemical composition, and the products and processes that have been developed using the generated knowledge. Despite all the progress made in recent years, which contributed to a state-of-the-art improvement, only a few studies regarding the genus have been dedicated to investigating the mechanisms of action and the safety (toxicology) of its bioactive compounds using well-validated methodologies. A strategic partnership between RD and vital cosmeceutical enterprises could be the requisite to promote the development of a higher number of efficient and marketable Hypericum-derived cosmeceutical products.

publication date

  • January 1, 2021