Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Fraxin is a coumarin glycoside derived primarily from the bark and leaves of Fraxinus (ash tree) species, where it occurs alongside related compounds like fraxetin and esculin. Its primary investigated mechanism involves modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling, particularly suppression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β pathways in immune cells.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordfraxin benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Fraxin — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Fraxin is a coumarin derivative (fraxetin 6-O-glucoside) isolated from plants in the Fraxinus genus, particularly from the leaves of Fraxinus hupehensis and Fraxinus excelsior (ash trees). It is extracted using ethanol or hot water infusion followed by fractionation techniques including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, or preparative HPLC.
“While Fraxinus species have been analyzed for bioactive potential, the sources do not specify historical or traditional medicinal uses for fraxin itself. Traditional uses of the parent plants are not detailed in the available research.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on fraxin have been identified. Research is limited to phytochemical isolation studies and in vitro experiments using Fraxinus extracts that may contain fraxin, with no PubMed PMIDs available for human trials.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges for fraxin are available as human trials have not been conducted. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Fraxin (8-glucosyloxy-7-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one; CID: 5273569) is a coumarin glycoside compound with molecular formula C16H18O10 and molecular weight of 370.30 g/mol. It is not a macronutrient or conventional food ingredient and contributes negligible caloric value. As a pure phytochemical compound, it contains no protein, fat, or fiber content of nutritional relevance. Bioactive profile: Fraxin is a hydroxylated coumarin (specifically a glucoside of fraxetin) found naturally in the bark and leaves of Fraxinus species (ash trees) at concentrations typically ranging from 0.1–2.5 mg/g dry weight in bark extracts, though this varies considerably by species and extraction method. It also occurs in Dictamnus albus and select Phillyrea species. The compound contains a glucopyranose sugar moiety attached to the coumarin core, contributing to its relative water solubility compared to aglycone coumarins. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability data for pure fraxin in humans is absent. Based on structural analogy with other coumarin glucosides, intestinal hydrolysis by beta-glucosidases (gut microbiota or brush-border enzymes) may release the aglycone fraxetin, which could be the primary bioactive form absorbed. Lipid solubility is moderate (LogP estimated ~0.8–1.2). No established dietary reference values, RDAs, or tolerable upper intake levels exist for fraxin as it is not classified as a nutrient.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Fraxin, as a coumarin glycoside, is believed to interfere with NF-κB signaling cascades, thereby reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in monocytes and macrophages. Fraxinus-derived fractions containing fraxin have also been shown to modulate IL-10 receptor expression, suggesting potential involvement in anti-inflammatory feedback regulation. Additionally, related coumarins in the fraxin class may inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity, contributing to reduced prostaglandin synthesis, though direct evidence for fraxin itself on COX remains limited.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for fraxin is restricted almost entirely to in vitro studies using human monocyte and macrophage cell lines, with no robust human clinical trials isolating fraxin as a single compound. Fraxinus plant extracts — which contain fraxin alongside other coumarins and iridoids — have demonstrated measurable reductions in IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β secretion in cell culture models, but these findings cannot be attributed solely to fraxin. No large-scale randomized controlled trials exist for fraxin supplementation in humans, making quantified therapeutic dosing and efficacy claims premature. The overall evidence level remains preclinical and exploratory, warranting cautious interpretation of any claimed health benefits.
Safety & Interactions
Fraxin-specific human safety data is largely absent, as most safety observations come from studies on whole Fraxinus plant extracts rather than isolated fraxin. Coumarins as a class carry a theoretical risk of potentiating anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, and individuals on blood thinners should avoid supplementation without medical supervision. Fraxinus extracts have occasionally been associated with mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established for fraxin or Fraxinus-derived coumarin extracts, and their use should be avoided in these populations until further data is available.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Fraxetin 6-O-glucosideFraxetin 6-glucoside7,8-Dihydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin 8-glucosideAsh tree coumarin glucoside
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fraxin and what plant does it come from?
Fraxin is a coumarin glycoside — specifically 8-glucosyloxy-6-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one — found predominantly in the bark, leaves, and seeds of Fraxinus species, commonly known as ash trees. It often co-occurs with structurally related compounds such as fraxetin (its aglycone form), esculin, and esculetin in Fraxinus excelsior and Fraxinus americana. These plants have been used in traditional European and Asian herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
What are the anti-inflammatory effects of fraxin?
In vitro studies using human monocytes and macrophages have shown that Fraxinus-derived fractions containing fraxin can suppress secretion of key pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. These effects are thought to occur through interference with NF-κB transcription factor activation, a central regulator of inflammatory gene expression. However, all current evidence is cell-based, and it remains unconfirmed whether fraxin produces equivalent anti-inflammatory effects in living humans at achievable supplemental doses.
Is there a standard dosage for fraxin supplements?
No clinically validated dosage for isolated fraxin supplementation has been established, as no human pharmacokinetic or dose-ranging trials have been published specifically for this compound. Studies on Fraxinus excelsior bark extracts — such as those found in proprietary joint health blends — have used dried extract doses ranging from 300 mg to 1200 mg per day, but these contain a mixture of coumarins and iridoids rather than purified fraxin. Until dedicated human trials define effective and safe doses, no specific recommendation can responsibly be made.
Can fraxin interact with blood thinning medications?
Fraxin belongs to the coumarin class of compounds, and coumarins broadly share structural similarities with warfarin, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant. While direct pharmacokinetic interaction data for isolated fraxin and warfarin is lacking, the coumarin scaffold theoretically raises concern for additive anticoagulant effects or interference with CYP2C9-mediated warfarin metabolism. Anyone taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications — including warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin — should consult a healthcare provider before using fraxin-containing supplements.
How does fraxin differ from fraxetin and esculin?
Fraxin, fraxetin, and esculin are closely related coumarin compounds that frequently co-occur in Fraxinus species. Fraxin (6-methoxy-7-glucosyloxy coumarin) and esculin (6,7-dihydroxy coumarin-6-glucoside) are both glycosylated forms, meaning they have sugar moieties attached, while fraxetin is the aglycone (sugar-free) form of fraxin. The glycoside forms like fraxin tend to have different bioavailability profiles compared to their aglycones, as intestinal glucosidases must cleave the sugar before absorption, which can affect onset and potency of biological effects.
What does current research show about fraxin's effectiveness in humans?
Currently, there are no published human clinical trials specifically testing pure fraxin supplementation, so claims about its effectiveness in people remain unproven. Available evidence is limited to laboratory (in vitro) studies showing that fraxin and Fraxinus extracts may influence inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in isolated immune cells. This preliminary data suggests potential anti-inflammatory activity, but human studies are needed to establish whether these effects translate to real-world health benefits.
Is fraxin safe for children or during pregnancy?
There is insufficient safety data on fraxin supplementation in children or pregnant women, so use in these populations should be avoided unless directed by a healthcare provider. Fraxin's coumarin structure raises theoretical concerns about potential effects on blood clotting and fetal development, though specific risks have not been formally studied. Until human safety trials are conducted, fraxin supplements are not recommended for pregnant, nursing, or pediatric populations.
What dietary sources naturally contain fraxin?
Fraxin is naturally present in plants of the Fraxinus genus (ash trees), particularly in the bark, leaves, and seeds, though it is not typically consumed as a food. The compound is not commonly found in standard dietary foods at nutritionally significant levels, making supplementation the primary way to obtain fraxin. If you are seeking fraxin through diet alone, this would be impractical without specifically consuming ash tree extracts or preparations.
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