Hypericum species: An analysis on the patent technologies.

Area of Science:

• Botanical sciences
• Pharmacognosy
• Intellectual property law

Background:

• Hypericum, a genus of approximately 500 species, holds significant industrial relevance due to its specialized metabolites with pharmaceutical potential and ornamental value.
• The economic importance of Hypericum-derived products and processes necessitates a clear understanding of recent patenting activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of patents related to Hypericum between 2007 and 2017.
• To identify trends, key players, and technological focuses in Hypericum research and development.
• To highlight opportunities and challenges for innovation in the field.

Main Methods:

• A systematic survey of patent databases (Espacenet®, PatentScope®, Google Patents®) using the keyword "Hypericum".
• Organization of 174 identified patents into medicinal and non-medicinal categories, further classified by applicant type and country.
• Data analysis using Espacenet® to identify trends in species, therapeutic applications, and technological approaches.

Main Results:

• The majority of applicants are from China, with companies holding the primary ownership of patents.
• A significant portion of patents focus on non-medicinal applications, primarily the development of new ornamental cultivars.
• Medicinal patents predominantly concern extraction methods and formulation incorporation, with *Hypericum perforatum* being the most cited species for central nervous system disease treatments.

Conclusions:

• The patent landscape reveals diverse applications of Hypericum, spanning both medicinal and ornamental sectors.
• There is a notable focus on extraction and formulation technologies for medicinal uses, particularly for CNS disorders.
• The study provides valuable insights for researchers and companies to identify innovation opportunities and address challenges in the Hypericum field.