Multi-target mechanisms of hypericin: A systematic elucidation of pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential

Abstract

Hypericin, a naturally occurring naphthodianthrone isolated from several species of the genus Hypericum, exhibits multiple pharmacological properties through its unique ability to interact with diverse molecular targets. As a multi-target agent, hypericin shows therapeutic potential in treating neurological disorders, viral infections, cancer, inflammatory-related diseases, and dermatological conditions. Despite these advances, challenges such as poor bioavailability, phototoxicity, and an incomplete mechanistic understanding of multi-target synergies hinder its clinical translation. Recent strategies, including nanoformulations to enhance solubility and combination therapies to optimize efficacy, demonstrate promise in overcoming these limitations. This review systematically consolidates the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of hypericin while highlighting future directions for precision multi-target drug development.

Keywords

hypericin / multi-target / pharmacological activities / clinical translation

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