Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Oroxylin A is a flavonoid compound found in Scutellaria baicalensis that modulates neuroinflammation through GABA-A receptor activation and NF-κB pathway inhibition. This bioactive flavone demonstrates neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function in preclinical studies.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordoroxylin A benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Oroxylin A — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Oroxylin A is an O-methylated flavone (5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) isolated primarily from the root bark of Oroxylum indicum and Scutellaria baicalensis. It appears as yellow plates with a melting point of 231-232°C and is extracted from plant materials through standard phytochemical isolation methods confirmed by NMR, IR, UV, and MS analysis.
“While Oroxylin A occurs in traditional medicinal plants like Scutellaria baicalensis and Oroxylum indicum, specific historical applications or traditional medicine uses for the isolated compound are not documented in the available sources. The parent plants have medicinal history, but isolated compound usage lacks traditional context.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Oroxylin A were identified in the available research. Current evidence is limited to in vitro mechanism studies showing enzyme inhibition and pathway modulation, with general pharmacological interest noted for cognitive and neurodegenerative applications.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for Oroxylin A. Forms, standardization methods, and therapeutic doses have not been established through human research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Oroxylin A (5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is a pure bioactive flavonoid compound, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore carries no meaningful macronutrient, micronutrient, fiber, or protein content in the conventional nutritional sense. As a compound, it is characterized entirely by its bioactive chemical identity: Molecular formula C16H12O5, molecular weight 284.26 g/mol. It belongs to the flavone subclass of polyphenols, featuring a characteristic 4H-chromen-4-one backbone with hydroxyl groups at positions 5 and 7 and a methoxy group at position 6. Naturally sourced primarily from the root bark of Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet tree) and from Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), where it occurs at concentrations typically ranging from 0.1–2.5% dry weight depending on plant part and extraction method. Bioavailability is notably limited due to poor aqueous solubility (log P approximately 2.8, indicating moderate lipophilicity), with oral bioavailability in animal models estimated below 20% without formulation enhancement. It undergoes phase II hepatic metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation), and nanoparticle or lipid-based delivery systems have been shown in research to improve absorption by 3–5 fold. No caloric value, vitamins, or minerals are contributed by this compound in isolation.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Oroxylin A functions as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, particularly the α2β2γ2 subtype, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. The compound suppresses neuroinflammation by inhibiting NF-κB translocation and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-1β. Additionally, oroxylin A modulates apoptotic pathways by upregulating Bcl-2 expression while downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for oroxylin A comes primarily from in vitro cell culture studies and animal models, with limited human clinical data available. Preclinical studies in mice have shown cognitive improvements at doses of 5-20 mg/kg, with enhanced memory performance in Morris water maze tests. Cell culture experiments demonstrate neuroprotective effects at concentrations of 1-50 μM against oxidative stress-induced damage. The evidence base remains preliminary, requiring randomized controlled trials to establish clinical efficacy and optimal dosing in humans.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for oroxylin A in humans is limited due to the lack of comprehensive clinical trials. The compound may enhance the effects of GABAergic medications including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep aids due to its GABA-A receptor activity. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications are possible given the flavonoid structure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid oroxylin A supplementation due to insufficient safety data during these periods.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavoneOroxylin-A6-methoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavoneOroxin ABaicalensis flavone AO-methylated flavoneYellow flavone compound
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended dosage of oroxylin A?
No established human dosage exists for oroxylin A supplements. Animal studies suggest effective doses of 5-20 mg/kg body weight, but human clinical trials are needed to determine safe and effective dosing ranges.
Can oroxylin A cross the blood-brain barrier?
Yes, oroxylin A demonstrates good blood-brain barrier permeability due to its lipophilic properties and small molecular size. Studies show brain tissue concentrations reach therapeutic levels within 30-60 minutes after oral administration in animal models.
What foods contain oroxylin A naturally?
Oroxylin A is primarily found in Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) root, with concentrations typically ranging from 0.5-2% by dry weight. Small amounts may also be present in other Scutellaria species, but baicalensis remains the primary natural source.
Does oroxylin A interact with antidepressant medications?
Potential interactions may occur due to oroxylin A's GABAergic activity and influence on neurotransmitter systems. The compound could theoretically enhance sedative effects of certain antidepressants, particularly those affecting GABA pathways, requiring medical supervision if combining.
How long does oroxylin A stay in the body?
Pharmacokinetic studies in animals indicate oroxylin A has a plasma half-life of approximately 2-4 hours. The compound undergoes hepatic metabolism primarily through glucuronidation and sulfation pathways before renal elimination within 12-24 hours.
Is oroxylin A safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
There is insufficient clinical data on oroxylin A safety during pregnancy and lactation, so it should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless cleared by a healthcare provider. Most flavonoid compounds pass into breast milk and may affect fetal development, making precaution advisable. Animal studies on oroxylin A have not been conducted at doses relevant to human supplementation.
What does the current clinical evidence show about oroxylin A's effectiveness?
Most evidence for oroxylin A comes from in vitro (laboratory) and animal model studies rather than human clinical trials, which limits confidence in its real-world efficacy. The proposed mechanisms involving NF-κB pathway modulation and neuroprotection show promise in preliminary research but require controlled human studies for validation. No large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans have been published to date for oroxylin A as a standalone supplement.
How does oroxylin A's bioavailability compare to other flavonoids?
Oroxylin A has relatively low oral bioavailability typical of flavonoid compounds, as it undergoes hepatic metabolism and gut bacterial degradation before systemic absorption. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier is better than many flavonoids due to its specific chemical structure, but overall plasma concentrations remain modest after supplementation. Pairing oroxylin A with substances that inhibit metabolism (such as quercetin) may theoretically enhance absorption, though this has not been clinically validated.
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