A Simple Method for Extraction and Purification of Hypericins from St John’s Wort

Hypericin was extracted from Hypericum perforatum L. using a different extraction procedure. Highest amounts of hypericins were extracted by ultrasonic methods using methanol: acetone 2:1 as an extracting solvent. Hypericin contents of the extract was purified by passing it through 2 series of 70 × 5 mm glass columns, each filled with 800 mg of 35 - 70 mesh silica gel, followed by elution with MeOH: acetone: CH₂Cl₂ (75:10:15). The extent of purification was determined by HPLC. The amount of purified hypericins, which was extracted from Hypericum perforatum, was 5.105 mg per gram dried plant leaves.