St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in Armenia: Bioactive composition, ecological distribution, and cultivation potential for functional food applications

Abstract

Introduction: Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort) is a widely used medicinal and aromatic plant with significant pharmacological and nutraceutical potential. Its bioactive compounds, including hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, support antidepressant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. In Armenia, wild populations are distributed across diverse floristic zones and elevations, representing valuable genetic resources with functional food relevance.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the ecological, morphological, and phytochemical variation of Armenian H. perforatum populations to identify high-value chemotypes suitable for pharmaceutical, ethnobotanical, and functional food applications.

Materials and Methods: Field surveys were conducted between 2023 and 2025 across five Armenian regions (Gegharkunik, Shirak, Vayots Dzor, Lori, and Tavush). Population occurrence records were published by using iNaturalist app and distribution map was generated through QGIS program. Population density, plant height, stem number, and above-ground biomass were recorded using quadrat sampling. In situ phytochemical profiling was performed with TLC to estimate relative levels of hypericin, hyperforin, and flavonoids. Comparative analysis identified spatial patterns and high-value populations.

Results: Substantial variation was observed across populations. The Jermuk population, located in a cool, moist forest-steppe, exhibited the highest density, biomass, and metabolite levels, making it optimal for pharmaceutical and functional food use. Hermon, located in a semi-arid meadow, showed moderate productivity and resilience, suitable for cultivation in diverse agro-ecological zones. Dragthik, a semi-arid steppe population, produced tall plants with moderate biomass and balanced metabolites, appropriate for general ethnobotanical use. Darpas, at the lowest elevation, displayed low density, height, and metabolite content, likely constrained by shading and vegetation structure. This study represents the first integrated ecological, morphological, and phytochemical assessment of Armenian Hypericum perforatum populations, identifying high-value chemotypes and demonstrating the practical utility of rapid field TLC for applied screening.

Conclusion and Future Work: Water availability, more than temperature alone, limits productivity, with optimal moisture and moderate temperatures supporting higher biomass and secondary metabolite accumulation. Rapid field TLC proved effective for identifying high-value populations. These findings provide a scientific foundation for targeted conservation, sustainable harvesting, cultivation, and potential functional food applications. Future research should focus on quantitative phytochemical analysis, genotype–environment interactions, and optimized cultivation trials. Additionally, bioactivity-guided incorporation of H. perforatum L. metabolites into functional foods will help ensure standardization, efficacy, and long-term conservation.

Keywords: Hypericum perforatum L.; Armenian populations; wild medicinal plants; high-value chemotypes; ecological distribution; bioactive compounds; TLC screening; functional food applications