Acacetin

Acacetin (4'-methoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a pure bioactive flavonoid compound (molecular formula C16H12O5, molecular weight 284.26 g/mol), not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not carry conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profiles. As an isolated compound, it contains no meaningful protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins, or dietary minerals in its purified form. Its profile is defined entirely by its bioactive nature: it is a O-methylated flavone belonging to the flavonoid subclass, structurally characterized by a methoxy group at the 4' position and hydroxyl groups at positions 5 and 7 of the flavone backbone. Acacetin is naturally found in trace concentrations in plants such as Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust flowers), damiana (Turnera diffusa), and certain Clerodendrum species, where it occurs typically in the low microgram-to-milligram per gram dry weight range (estimated 0.1–5 mg/g depending on plant source and extraction method). Bioavailability is limited due to poor aqueous solubility (lipophilic character, logP approximately 2.5–3.0); absorption is enhanced in lipid-based delivery systems or nanoformulations. It undergoes hepatic Phase I and Phase II metabolism, including glucuronidation and sulfation, with primary metabolites detected in urine and bile. No dietary reference intake or recommended daily allowance exists for acacetin as it is studied exclusively in experimental and pharmacological contexts.