[Flavonoid and dianthranoid levels of the St.-John's-wort flowering tops].

Dried flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum L. (16 batches) and H. maculatum (3 batches) were studied according to the harvest period. The mean levels of the flavonoid and dianthranoid compounds were respectively: total flavonoids 3.20 and 3.92%, hyperoside 0.87 and 2. 12%, rutin 0.54 and 0.02%, isoquercitrin 0.48 and 0.75%; total dianthranoids 0.14 and 0.13%, hypericin 0.04 and 0.02%, pseudohypericin 0.08 and 0.11%. The flavonoid and dianthranoid levels were higher in young flowering tops of H. perforatum. 3 commercial batches were also examined for a comparative study. Pharmacopoeial specifications are proposed for a revision of the monograph "St.-John's-wort".