Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Homoeriodictyol is a citrus flavanone that modulates glucose transporters in intestinal cells and reduces bitter taste perception. This compound demonstrates potential for metabolic support and flavor enhancement applications through its interaction with cellular glucose uptake mechanisms.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordhomoeriodictyol benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Homoeriodictyol — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Homoeriodictyol is a flavanone compound (C16H14O6) naturally found in Eriodictyon californicum (Yerba Santa), Eriodictyon glutinosum, and coriander plants. It appears as a light yellow to white powder and is typically isolated using high-performance liquid chromatography methods.
“While homoeriodictyol is found in Yerba Santa plants, no specific traditional medicinal uses are documented in the research. The compound has been identified in phytochemical databases but without therapeutic contexts.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on homoeriodictyol. The only biological activity study was an in vitro investigation using Caco-2 intestinal cells showing increased glucose uptake, and analytical validation studies in rat serum (PMID: 17719196).
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to absence of human trials. In vitro studies used 100 μM concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Homoeriodictyol is a pure flavanone compound (C16H14O6, molecular weight 302.28 g/mol), not a whole food ingredient, therefore it contains no macronutrients (0g protein, 0g fat, 0g carbohydrates), no dietary fiber, and no caloric value in isolated form. It is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in plant sources such as Eriodictyon californicum (yerba santa), citrus peels, and certain herbs, typically present in those plants at trace concentrations (estimated 0.01–0.5% dry weight depending on source). As an isolated compound, it possesses no vitamins or minerals. Its primary bioactive identity is as a flavanone polyphenol with a hydroxylated B-ring structure, structurally similar to eriodictyol but with a methoxy group at the 4'-position. Bioavailability data in humans is largely absent; in vitro intestinal absorption studies suggest moderate passive diffusion potential consistent with other flavanones, with likely hepatic phase II metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation) analogous to naringenin and hesperetin. Its functional relevance is as a taste modulator (bitter-masking, particularly for compounds such as caffeine and certain amino acids) and as a preliminary glucose metabolism modulator, rather than as a nutritional contributor. No established dietary reference intake or recommended dose exists.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Homoeriodictyol enhances glucose uptake by modulating glucose transporter proteins (GLUT) in intestinal epithelial cells, increasing cellular glucose influx by approximately 29%. The compound also interacts with bitter taste receptors (TAS2R family), potentially blocking bitter compound binding sites and reducing perceived bitterness by 10-40%. These mechanisms suggest dual roles in metabolic regulation and sensory modulation.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for homoeriodictyol is limited to in vitro laboratory studies with no human clinical trials completed. Cell culture studies demonstrate a 29% increase in glucose uptake in intestinal cell lines, though the clinical relevance remains unestablished. Taste perception studies show 10-40% reduction in bitterness intensity for various compounds in laboratory settings. The absence of human trials means safety profiles, effective dosages, and therapeutic applications remain undetermined.
Safety & Interactions
No established safety profile exists for homoeriodictyol due to lack of human studies. Potential interactions with diabetes medications may occur given its glucose uptake effects, though this remains theoretical. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown, requiring medical consultation before use. As with other flavanones, gastrointestinal sensitivity could occur in some individuals, though specific adverse effects have not been documented.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
(2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methoxychroman-4-one5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one6-MethoxyeriodictyolHomoeriodictyol 7-O-glucoside precursorYerba Santa flavanoneBear's weed compoundMountain balm flavonoid
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods contain homoeriodictyol naturally?
Homoeriodictyol is found primarily in citrus fruits, particularly in the peel and white pith portions of oranges and lemons. It occurs as a glycoside compound in these natural sources.
How much homoeriodictyol should I take daily?
No established dosage exists for homoeriodictyol as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Current evidence comes only from laboratory cell studies with no safety or efficacy data in humans.
Can homoeriodictyol help with diabetes management?
While in vitro studies show 29% increased glucose uptake in intestinal cells, no human trials exist to support diabetes management claims. Consult healthcare providers before using for metabolic conditions.
Does homoeriodictyol interact with blood sugar medications?
Theoretical interactions with diabetes medications are possible given its glucose uptake effects in cell studies. However, no documented interactions exist due to lack of human research and established pharmacokinetic data.
Is homoeriodictyol the same as eriodictyol?
Homoeriodictyol and eriodictyol are related but distinct flavanone compounds with different molecular structures. Homoeriodictyol has an additional carbon group that may alter its biological activity and absorption properties.
What does the current research show about homoeriodictyol's effectiveness?
Most research on homoeriodictyol is limited to in vitro (test tube) and analytical studies, with no human clinical trials completed to date. While preliminary laboratory evidence suggests potential benefits for glucose uptake (a 29% increase in intestinal cells) and bitter taste masking, these findings cannot be directly applied to human health outcomes. The ingredient requires rigorous clinical research in humans before efficacy claims can be substantiated. Consumers should be cautious about products making broad health claims based on this limited evidence.
Is homoeriodictyol safe to use alongside my current medications?
There is insufficient safety and interaction data for homoeriodictyol, as human clinical trials have not been conducted. While it is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in some foods, the concentration and bioavailability of supplemental forms may differ significantly from dietary sources. If you are taking medications—particularly blood sugar regulators or medications with narrow therapeutic windows—consult your healthcare provider before adding homoeriodictyol supplements. No serious adverse events have been formally documented, but comprehensive safety studies are lacking.
Who should consider taking homoeriodictyol supplements and who should avoid it?
There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend homoeriodictyol supplementation for any specific population, as no human efficacy or safety studies have been completed. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and individuals with medical conditions should avoid supplementation until proper clinical research establishes safe dosing and potential risks. People interested in the potential glucose-related benefits should discuss homoeriodictyol with their healthcare provider, as preliminary in vitro data does not guarantee effectiveness in humans. More research is needed to identify who might benefit most from this ingredient.
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