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Updated: May 26, 2026

An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
Hypericin as a Photodynamic Immunomodulator: A Natural Compound for Dermatological Therapy
Huike Ma1, Xiawei Zhang1, Ruonan Li1
1Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100010, People's Republic of China.
None:
Hypericin, a polycyclic quinone derived from *Hypericum perforatum* (St. John's Wort), has gained attention for its broad pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects. It modulates key signaling pathways like NF-κB and MAPK, reducing chronic inflammation and making it effective in treating autoimmune and infectious skin conditions. As a photosensitizer, hypericin also induces apoptosis in abnormal cells through photodynamic therapy (PDT), showing promising results in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), psoriasis, and fungal infections. While its solubility and bioavailability remain challenges, hypericin's favorable safety profile and therapeutic potential position it as a valuable option for managing refractory dermatological conditions.
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