noun
- A dark red polycyclic compound found in St. John's wort and other plants, studied for potential medicinal properties including antidepressant and antiviral effects.
Usage: technical; biochemistry
Examples
- Hypericin is the primary active ingredient in St. John's wort supplements.
- Researchers have investigated hypericin for its potential antidepressant properties.
- The concentration of hypericin varies among different species of Hypericum plants.
- Hypericin may interact with certain medications, so users should consult a healthcare provider.
- Scientists are studying how hypericin works at the molecular level to treat mood disorders.