Quantitative changes of dianthrones, hyperforin and flavonoids content in the flower ontogenesis of Hypericum perforatum

Samples of Hyperici herba were obtained by harvesting Hypericum perforatum L. in different plant development stages. The relation of newer development phases in the drug's flower fraction was examined. The HPLC method was the n employed for the analysis of the content of secondary metabolites in diff erent flower ontogenesis phases. The content of dianthrones, derivatives of quercetin and hyperforin increased from the first bud phases (0.29%, 0.80% , and 2.47%, respectively) to flowers just opened (1.04%, 4.23% and 6.60%, respectively). The content of dianthrones and quercetin glycosides then dec reased tin unripe fruits 0.11% and 0.08%, respectively), whereas the amount s of hyperforin increased to 8.07% in fruits. The content of 13,118-biapige nin increased from 0.21% in small buds to 1.04% in buds just before opening and has then decreased gradually to a value of 0.02% in fruits. Rutin was not detected in the samples.