| The antitumor properties of St. John's wort are attributed to hypericin, which is a powerful photosensitizer. |
| For the best results, a standardised extract of the active ingredient hypericin needs to be taken for six weeks. |
| St.John's Wort contains hypericin, which inhibits monoamine oxidase, a chemical associated with depression. |
| In addition to its photodynamic properties, hypericin is also hydrophobic and binds to a variety of cell and enveloped virus membranes. |
| The two compounds considered important in the plant's anti-depressant activity are hypericin and hyperforin. |
| The transfer of one electron from an electron donor to an excited state of hypericin generates its corresponding semiquinone radical anion. |
