Hypericin: chemical synthesis and biosynthesis.

Lin-Fang Huang, Zeng-Hui Wang, Shi-Lin Chen

Journal: Chinese journal of natural medicines 2014;12(2):81-8

PMID: 24636057

Abstract

Hypericin is one of the most important phenanthoperylene quinones extracted mainly from plants of the genus Hypericum belonging to the sections Euhypericum and Campylosporus of Keller's classification. Widespread attention to the antiviral and anti-tumor properties of hypericin has spurred investigations of the chemical synthesis and biosynthesis of this unique compound. However, the synthetic strategies are challenging for organic and biological chemists. In this review, specific significant advances in total synthesis, semi-synthesis, and biosynthesis in the past decades are summarized.

Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Address: Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China.; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

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