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HypericinHypericin is an anthraquinone derivative that is naturally found in the yellow flower of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) with antidepressant, potential antiviral, antineoplastic and immunostimulating activities. Hypericin appears to inhibit the neuronal uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and L-glutamate, which may contribute to its antidepressant effect. Hypericin may also prevent the replication of encapsulated viruses probably due to inhibition of the assembly and shedding of virus particles in infected cells. This agent also exerts potent phototoxic effects by triggering apoptotic signaling that results in formation of reactive oxygen species.
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HyperforinHyperforin is found in alcoholic beverages. Hyperforin is a constituent of Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) Hyperforin is a phytochemical produced by some of the members of the plant genus Hypericum, notably Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort). The structure of hyperforin was elucidated by a research group from the Shemyakin Institute of Bio-organic Chemistry (USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow) and published in 1975. Hyperforin is a prenylated phloroglucinol derivative. Total synthesis of hyperforin has not yet been accomplished, despite attempts by several research groups. Hyperforin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibiotic and anti-depressant functions (PMID: 17696442, 21751836, 12725578, 12018529). Hyperforin belongs to the family of Diterpenes. These are terpene compounds formed by four isoprene units.
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Punicid Acid, Punicic acid, also known as trichosanic acid, is an omega-5 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an isomer of conjugated α-linolenic acid (CLnA) with structural similarities to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and α-linolenic acid (LnA) [5], such as carbon composition, atomic arrangement and the number of carbon double bonds. These conjugated fatty acids have increasingly attracted scientific interest because of their several potential health benefits [6] including their antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-atherosclerotic and serum lipid-lowering activities,
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Linoleic Acid, Oleic AcidPolyunsaturated fatty acids, like linoleic acid, are considered essential for some functions, for example prostaglandin synthesis. It has also been proved that the ceramides present in epidermis contain several fatty acids derivatives, 41% of them being linoleic acid. Additionally, oleic acid has been found to improve transportation of PUFAs into skin as it promotes skin penetration through a mechanism including softening of the horny layer. Polyunsaturated fatty acids or physiological lipids, locally applied, may reach lower skin layers thus enhancing skin properties. Other informations show that increasing the levels of these essential fatty acids in the skin there is more production of beneficial eicosanoids with anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. The balance between the different eicosanoids is critical for maintaining healthy skin barrier structure and functions and skin homeostasis. In addition, these fatty acids are useful as vehicle of actives because they increase the penetration of the actives.