Inhibitor of protein kinase C; induces photosynthesized apoptosisHypercin acts as an antibiotic and antiviral. It is involved in the inhibition of enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase action. It also exhibits an anti-HIV and anticancer drug. Further, it is useful in photodynamic therapy. In addition to this, it serves as an inhibitor of protein kinase C which induces photosynthesized apoptosis.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.
General Description
- Hypericin is an anthraquinone derivative found in the yellow flower of Hypericum perforatum (also known as St. John's wort)
- This compound has the ability to inhibit protein kinase C, inducing photosynthesized apoptosis
Application
- It shows antibiotic and antiviral activities
- The antidepressant activity of this compound could be related to its ability to inhibit the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and L-glutamate
- Since this compound is able to inhibit the assembly and shedding of virus particles in infected cells, hypericin may also prevent the replication of encapsulated viruses
- It has been described that this compound can also exhibit anti-HIV and anticancer activities
- Hypericin also displays an effective phototoxic activity and is able to trigger apoptotic pathways, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species