Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Chrysoeriol is a flavonoid compound found in passionflower and chamomile that exhibits anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties through NF-κB pathway modulation. This bioactive flavone demonstrates selective cytotoxicity against leukemia cells while providing antioxidant protection in preclinical studies.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordchrysoeriol benefits
Synergy Pairings3

Chrysoeriol (Flavonoid) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History

Natural habitat
Chrysoeriol is a naturally occurring flavone, specifically a 3'-O-methyl derivative of luteolin, found in medicinal plants including Capsicum chinense, chamomile, tarragon, and Scutellaria baicalensis. It is typically extracted from plant leaves, flowers, roots, or seeds using methanolic extraction methods.
“No specific historical or traditional medicinal uses are detailed in available sources. While chrysoeriol is noted as present in various medicinal plants, traditional systems, indications, or duration of use are not documented.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on chrysoeriol. Current evidence is limited to in vitro cell line studies and preclinical models, with no PMIDs available in the provided research.
Preparation & Dosage

Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to absence of human trials. Preclinical studies used plant extracts containing chrysoeriol but did not specify isolated compound doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Chrysoeriol is a pure flavonoid compound (specifically a flavone), not a whole food ingredient, so it does not contain macronutrients, fiber, or caloric value in the traditional nutritional sense. Molecular formula: C16H12O6, molecular weight: 300.26 g/mol. It is the 3'-methoxy derivative of luteolin, differing by a single methoxyl group at the 3' position of the B-ring. As an isolated bioactive compound, its 'profile' is defined entirely by its phytochemical identity: one primary flavone aglycone with a catechol-like B-ring modified by methoxylation. It is naturally found in trace concentrations in plant sources including celery (Apium graveolens), sage (Salvia officinalis), Paspalum distichum grass, and various Artemisia species, typically present at concentrations ranging from 0.01–0.5 mg/g dry weight depending on the source plant and extraction method. Bioavailability is limited by poor aqueous solubility (log P approximately 2.5–3.0); absorption is enhanced by the methoxy group compared to its parent compound luteolin, potentially improving membrane permeability. Undergoes phase II metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the intestinal epithelium and liver. No significant vitamin, mineral, protein, or fiber content is associated with this isolated compound. Antioxidant capacity measured via DPPH assay shows IC50 values in the range of 15–40 µM in vitro, comparable to other hydroxylated flavones.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Chrysoeriol inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes responsible for inflammation. The compound upregulates Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) while amplifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) production specifically in cancer cells. Its antioxidant activity stems from free radical scavenging through phenolic hydroxyl groups on the flavone backbone.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for chrysoeriol is limited to in vitro and preclinical animal studies. Laboratory research shows selective cytotoxicity against HL-60 leukemia cells with IC50 values in the micromolar range. Anti-inflammatory studies demonstrate significant reduction in inflammatory markers in cell culture models. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing in humans.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for chrysoeriol supplementation is extremely limited due to lack of human studies. No specific drug interactions have been identified, though potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may exist due to flavonoid effects on platelet aggregation. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution as flavonoids may exhibit weak estrogenic activity.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
3'-O-methylluteolin5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavoneChrysoeriol 7-glucosideLuteolin 3'-methyl ether3'-MethoxyluteolinFlavone chrysoeriolC16H12O6
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods contain chrysoeriol naturally?
Chrysoeriol is found in passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), chamomile flowers, and certain citrus peels. The highest concentrations are typically found in passionflower extracts used in herbal supplements.
How does chrysoeriol compare to other flavonoids for cancer?
Chrysoeriol shows selective toxicity against leukemia cells through NFAT upregulation, unlike quercetin or luteolin which primarily work through different apoptotic pathways. However, all evidence remains preclinical with no human cancer trials completed.
What is the recommended dosage of chrysoeriol?
No established human dosage exists for chrysoeriol due to lack of clinical trials. In vitro studies use concentrations of 10-100 μM, but this cannot be translated to human supplementation without safety studies.
Can chrysoeriol help with arthritis inflammation?
Preclinical studies show chrysoeriol reduces inflammatory markers like COX-2 and MMP-9 through NF-κB inhibition. However, no human studies have tested its effectiveness for arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Are there any side effects of chrysoeriol supplements?
No specific side effects have been documented for chrysoeriol due to limited human research. Theoretical concerns include potential blood-thinning effects and hormonal interactions common to flavonoid compounds.
What does the current research say about chrysoeriol's effectiveness in humans?
Most evidence for chrysoeriol comes from in vitro (test tube) and preclinical animal studies, which show promise for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects through mechanisms like NF-κB inhibition and ROS amplification. However, human clinical trials are limited, meaning efficacy in real-world supplementation remains unproven. The gap between laboratory results and human outcomes is significant, so chrysoeriol should not be considered an established treatment based on current evidence.
Is chrysoeriol safe to take alongside prescription anti-inflammatory medications?
While chrysoeriol's proposed NF-κB inhibition and COX-2 reduction could theoretically interact with anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs or corticosteroids, formal drug interaction studies are lacking. Combining chrysoeriol supplements with prescription medications requires consultation with a healthcare provider to assess individual risk. The absence of human safety data makes it impossible to guarantee safe concurrent use without professional medical oversight.
Which form of chrysoeriol supplement would be most effective—isolated compound, plant extract, or food sources?
Bioavailability and absorption data for chrysoeriol in humans are not well-established, making it difficult to recommend one form as definitively superior. Isolated chrysoeriol supplements, plant extracts containing chrysoeriol, and natural food sources may differ in absorption rates and metabolic processing, but comparative studies are unavailable. Until human bioavailability research is conducted, the practical effectiveness of different chrysoeriol forms remains uncertain.

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