Acetic acid acts as an elicitor exerting a chitosan-like effect on xanthone biosynthesis in Hypericum perforatum L. root cultures
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae), popularly known as St. John’s wort, is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine [1]. It is known mainly for its antidepressant activity, and nowadays St. John’s wort preparations are among the most widely prescribed drugs for depression in many European countries [2]. Since the secondary metabolites responsible for the antidepressant activity (e.g. hyperforins and hypericins) are mainly accumulated in leaves and flowers, the chemical composition and the medicinal properties of aerial parts have been extensively investigated [3].