Investigation of Hypericin content of Hypericum perforatum L. in two natural habitats of Golestan province

Hypericum perforatum L. distributes in altitude 0–2000 meter from sea level in Golestan Province. In order to know about Hypericin content variations of Hypericum perforatum in Golestan Province, two natural habitats were selected, that were placed in west and east and called Drazno and Tuskaestan, respectively. For sample collecting, these habitats were divided to seven classes consist of: 1) 150-450, 2) 450-750, 3) 750-1050, 4) 1050-1350, 5) 1350-1650, 6) 1650-1950, 7) 1950-2250 meter from sea level. Samples were harvested from top of plants (20-25 cm) in flowering stage. The hypericin content was determined by spectrophotometer at 590 nm. Although it was varied by altitude variations, however Drazno has a positive correlation with the altitude variation. The highest content of hypericin was obtained from Tusakaestan sample (0.26 mg/g) in class 450-750 meter and from Drazno sample (0.25 mg/g) obtained in class 1950-2250 meter. These results suggested that there is a class in each habitat which are suitable for Hypericum growth and more hypericin yield.