Scientists unlock vitamin E potential in overlooked St. John's wort weed

Scientists have explored a common weed as a new source of vitamin E. St. John’s wort, often dismissed as an invasive plant, became the focus of a three-year study at the Institute of Horticulture. The research aimed to find efficient ways to grow and extract valuable compounds from the species. The project began by screening around 40 species of the St. John’s wort genus. Researchers identified four with the highest concentrations of vitamin E. These were then cultivated on roughly a hectare of land to test growth methods and extraction techniques.

The team examined how different conditions affected vitamin E levels in the plants. Greenhouse-grown specimens showed higher compound accumulation compared to those exposed to natural sunlight. This finding suggested controlled environments could boost production efficiency. By the end of the study, a prototype product was developed in partnership with a local company. The prototype used vitamin E compounds extracted directly from St. John’s wort. The feasibility report concluded that the plant held strong potential as an alternative source of the nutrient. The Institute of Horticulture has since expanded its research into other vitamin E-rich plants. Current studies now include monocotyledons, such as bran, as part of ongoing efforts to diversify sources of this essential antioxidant.

The study confirmed St. John’s wort as a viable candidate for vitamin E production. Its high yield in controlled settings and successful extraction methods open possibilities for commercial use. Meanwhile, further research into other plant sources continues to broaden options for natural vitamin E extraction.