Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside primarily extracted from Erigeron breviscapus that demonstrates anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects. It modulates inflammatory pathways including TLR4/NF-κB signaling and has been used clinically in China for stroke and myocardial infarction treatment for over 30 years.
CategoryNamed Bioactive Compounds
GroupCompound
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordscutellarin benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Scutellarin (Flavonoid Glycoside) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside (flavone-7-O-glucuronide) primarily extracted from the Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., and also found in Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria barbata. It is isolated from these plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular and inflammatory conditions.
“Scutellarin is derived from Erigeron breviscapus, a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and inflammation. It has been used clinically for these indications for over three decades, representing a modern pharmacological extension of traditional TCM applications.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
While scutellarin has been used clinically for over three decades for stroke, myocardial infarction, and diabetic complications, the available research lacks specific human clinical trial data with PMIDs. Current evidence primarily consists of preclinical studies including in vitro macrophage studies (PMID: 39029229) and mouse arthritis models using 20 mg/kg/day oral dosing (PMID: 28849116).
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available in the research. Preclinical mouse studies used 20 mg/kg/day orally for 2 weeks. Human dosing information and standardization details are not specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Scutellarin is a pure bioactive flavonoid glycoside compound (4',5,6-trihydroxyflavone-7-glucuronide), not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not contain macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate), dietary fiber, or conventional micronutrients in nutritional terms. Molecular weight: 462.37 g/mol. As a glycoside, it consists of a scutellarein aglycone backbone linked to a glucuronic acid moiety at the 7-position. Primary bioactive compound: scutellarin itself at 100% of the isolate when in standardized extract form. When derived from Erigeron breviscapus (fleabane herb), standardized pharmaceutical-grade extracts typically contain 85–98% scutellarin purity. Bioavailability is notably poor via oral route: absolute oral bioavailability estimated at approximately 2.1–7.4% in rodent models due to extensive first-pass metabolism and poor intestinal absorption. Intestinal bacteria hydrolyze scutellarin to its aglycone scutellarein, which is then partially reabsorbed. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) reached approximately 1–2 hours post oral administration. Intravenous formulations (as used clinically in China, e.g., 50 mg scutellarin injection) bypass absorption limitations and achieve significantly higher bioavailability. Protein binding: approximately 85–90% bound to plasma proteins. The compound is lipophilic enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting its neuroprotective applications. No vitamins, dietary minerals, or fiber content applicable to this isolated compound.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Scutellarin inhibits inflammatory signaling by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The compound demonstrates cardiovascular protection through mechanisms that support cerebral and cardiac circulation, though the precise molecular targets for these effects require further elucidation. Its anti-inflammatory activity appears to involve direct modulation of toll-like receptor signaling cascades.
Clinical Evidence
Scutellarin has been used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine for stroke and myocardial infarction treatment for over three decades, indicating established therapeutic applications. Preclinical studies in mouse arthritis models demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects with measurable reductions in inflammatory biomarkers. However, rigorous randomized controlled trials with Western populations are limited, and most evidence comes from traditional use patterns and animal studies. The clinical evidence base would benefit from larger-scale controlled human trials to validate therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for scutellarin supplementation is limited, with most information derived from traditional use patterns rather than systematic safety studies. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may exist given its cardiovascular effects, though specific drug interactions have not been well-documented. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical research. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should exercise caution due to potential effects on circulation and blood flow.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Scutellarin 7-O-glucuronideFlavone-7-O-glucuronideBreviscapineErigeron breviscapus extractDengzhanxixin extractBaicalin derivativeSCU7-Glucuronosylscutellarein
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical dosage of scutellarin for inflammation?
Standardized dosage recommendations for scutellarin supplements are not well-established, as most research has focused on traditional preparations rather than isolated compounds. Clinical applications in China typically use whole plant extracts rather than pure scutellarin, making specific dosage guidance difficult to determine.
How long does scutellarin take to show anti-inflammatory effects?
The timeline for scutellarin's anti-inflammatory effects has not been precisely characterized in human studies. Animal research suggests inflammatory marker reductions can occur within days to weeks of treatment, but individual response times likely vary based on the condition being treated and overall health status.
Can scutellarin help with arthritis symptoms?
Preclinical studies in mouse arthritis models show promising anti-inflammatory effects, with significant reductions in inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. However, human clinical trials specifically testing scutellarin for arthritis are lacking, making therapeutic claims premature despite encouraging preliminary evidence.
Is scutellarin safe to take with blood pressure medications?
Potential interactions between scutellarin and blood pressure medications have not been systematically studied. Given its cardiovascular applications and effects on circulation, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before combining scutellarin with antihypertensive drugs or other cardiovascular medications.
What foods contain scutellarin naturally?
Scutellarin is primarily found in Erigeron breviscapus (Chinese herb) and some Scutellaria species, rather than common dietary foods. These plants are typically used in traditional Chinese medicine preparations rather than consumed as regular food items, making dietary intake of meaningful scutellarin amounts unlikely without supplementation.
What is the difference between scutellarin and other flavonoid glycosides in terms of bioavailability?
Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside that requires deglycosylation by gut microbiota to be absorbed as its aglycone form, which may limit its bioavailability compared to pre-aglycone flavonoids. Some formulations use enzyme-treated or microbial-fermented versions to enhance absorption of the active scutellarin metabolites. The glycoside structure itself provides stability during storage and transit through the digestive system, though this comes at the cost of delayed absorption.
Is scutellarin safe for elderly individuals or those with multiple medications?
While scutellarin has been used clinically for over 30 years in stroke and heart disease management, elderly individuals taking multiple medications should consult their healthcare provider due to potential interactions with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and blood pressure medications. Scutellarin's cardiovascular effects may be beneficial for age-related conditions, but individual health status and concurrent medications must be evaluated. Dose adjustments may be necessary in older adults with compromised liver or kidney function.
What does current clinical research show about scutellarin's effectiveness compared to pharmaceutical alternatives?
Scutellarin has demonstrated clinical use for over three decades in East Asian countries for stroke and myocardial infarction management, though rigorous placebo-controlled trials meeting Western regulatory standards remain limited. Preclinical evidence shows it reduces key inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suggesting mechanisms comparable to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to definitively establish its efficacy and safety profile relative to standard pharmaceutical treatments.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w scutellarin curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
