# Astilbin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/astilbin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one, Astilbine, Tufuling flavonoid, GZ-SRG compound, Smilax flavonoid, Dihydroquercetin-4'-methyl ether

## Overview

Astilbin is a flavonoid glycoside primarily found in Smilax glabra that demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. This bioactive compound specifically suppresses [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rheumatoid arthritis models.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rat arthritis models, matching leflunomide efficacy (preclinical evidence)
• Rheumatoid arthritis support: Suppressed TLR-mediated NF-κB signaling and inflammatory markers in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats at 5.7 mg/kg (animal studies only)
• Lung protection: Reduced ferroptosis and activated NRF2 pathway in mouse acute lung injury models (preclinical evidence)
• Anti-cancer potential: Induced 23-39% apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells at 50-100 μM concentrations (in vitro studies only)
• Antioxidant activity: Reduced [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and protected [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) in cancer cell lines (preliminary in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Astilbin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated NF-κB signaling cascades, which are central to inflammatory responses. The compound directly inhibits the production of key [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This mechanism involves blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB transcription factors, thereby reducing inflammatory gene expression.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for astilbin comes primarily from preclinical animal studies, with no published human clinical trials available. In adjuvant-induced arthritis rat models, astilbin at 5.7 mg/kg demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) efficacy comparable to the pharmaceutical drug leflunomide. These studies showed significant reductions in inflammatory markers and joint swelling, but human safety and efficacy data remain lacking. The evidence strength is limited to animal research and requires clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Astilbin is a pure bioactive flavonoid compound (specifically a flavanonol/dihydroflavonol glycoside), not a whole food or nutritional source, and therefore does not contain macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber in any meaningful context. Molecular formula: C21H22O11; molecular weight: 454.39 g/mol. It is the 3-O-rhamnoside of taxifolin (dihydroquercetin), consisting of a taxifolin aglycone core linked to a rhamnose sugar unit. Bioactive compound concentration in natural sources: Found in Smilax glabra rhizome (Tu Fu Ling) at approximately 0.1–1.2% dry weight, and detectable in Astilbe species, Engelhardia roxburghiana, and certain grape/wine matrices at lower concentrations (trace to 0.05% dry weight). As an isolated compound used in research, it is evaluated at doses of 5.7 mg/kg in animal models. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is moderate; the rhamnoside bond is cleaved by intestinal microbiota to release the aglycone taxifolin, which is more readily absorbed. Peak plasma concentration in rodent studies achieved within 1–2 hours post-oral administration. Lipophilicity (LogP ≈ 1.0–1.5) supports partial passive intestinal absorption. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) is notable, with glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites identified as primary circulating forms. Protein binding estimated at 70–80% in preliminary studies. No caloric, protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution is applicable given its use as an isolated phytochemical compound rather than a food ingredient.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Preclinical rat studies used 5.7 mg/kg orally for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. In vitro studies used 50-100 μM concentrations. Pharmacokinetic studies show rapid absorption (15 minutes) but very low bioavailability (0.32%). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for astilbin in humans is extremely limited due to the absence of clinical trials. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions with immunosuppressive medications may exist given its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanisms. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those taking anti-inflammatory medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on astilbin have been conducted. Evidence is limited to preclinical studies including rat models of arthritis showing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects comparable to leflunomide at 5.7 mg/kg oral dosing, and in vitro cancer cell studies demonstrating apoptosis induction.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Astilbin is derived from Smilax glabra Roxb. (GZ-SRG), traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an antirheumatic agent. Preclinical studies support these traditional [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) applications, showing effects similar to modern RA medications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Curcumin, Boswellia, Quercetin, Green tea extract, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of astilbin for inflammation?

Animal studies used 5.7 mg/kg body weight, which showed efficacy comparable to leflunomide. However, no human dosage guidelines exist since clinical trials have not been conducted.

### Can astilbin help with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

Preclinical studies show astilbin reduced joint inflammation and cytokine levels in rat arthritis models. However, human clinical evidence is lacking, so effects on human rheumatoid arthritis remain unproven.

### What foods contain astilbin naturally?

Astilbin is primarily found in Smilax glabra (China root) and other Smilax species. It also occurs in smaller amounts in certain berries and traditional Chinese medicinal plants.

### How does astilbin compare to other anti-inflammatory supplements?

Animal studies suggest astilbin's potency matches pharmaceutical leflunomide for reducing TNF-α and IL-6. However, unlike curcumin or omega-3s, astilbin lacks human clinical validation.

### Are there any side effects of taking astilbin supplements?

No human safety studies exist for astilbin supplements. Animal studies at therapeutic doses showed no obvious toxicity, but human side effect profiles remain unknown.

### Does astilbin interact with rheumatoid arthritis medications like methotrexate or biologics?

While preclinical studies show astilbin suppresses inflammatory pathways similar to conventional RA drugs, there is no clinical evidence evaluating potential interactions with methotrexate, TNF inhibitors, or other RA biologics. Consult your rheumatologist before combining astilbin supplements with prescription RA medications, as simultaneous immune modulation could theoretically enhance effects or create unpredictable outcomes. Human interaction studies have not been conducted.

### Is astilbin safe during pregnancy or for nursing mothers?

There is no safety data for astilbin use during pregnancy or lactation, and animal reproductive toxicity studies have not been published. Given that most inflammatory modulation studies were conducted in animal models, astilbin cannot be recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without clinical evidence. Healthcare providers should be consulted before use in these populations.

### What is the current quality of human clinical evidence supporting astilbin's anti-inflammatory effects?

Astilbin's anti-inflammatory benefits are supported only by preclinical animal studies (rats and mice) showing TNF-α and IL-6 reduction comparable to the drug leflunomide, but no randomized controlled trials in humans have been published. The evidence base is preliminary and limited to in vitro and animal models, meaning efficacy and safety in humans remain unproven. Clinical translation of these findings would require human phase trials before strong claims can be made.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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