# Brevifolin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/brevifolin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Brevifolin carboxylic acid, Smartweed xanthone, Polygonum capitatum extract compound, BCA, Isocoumarin brevifolin

## Overview

Brevifolin is a xanthone compound that inhibits α-glucosidase enzyme with an IC50 of 323.46 μM, potentially affecting [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). This bioactive compound also functions as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibitor in laboratory studies.

## Health Benefits

• Inhibits α-glucosidase, potentially impacting [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (IC50: 323.46 μM) [in vitro evidence]. • Acts as an inhibitor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) [in vitro evidence]. • No human clinical benefits have been documented due to a lack of studies. • Benefits are theoretical based on enzyme inhibition observed in vitro. • Further research is required to substantiate health claims.

## Mechanism of Action

Brevifolin inhibits α-glucosidase enzyme activity with an IC50 value of 323.46 μM, potentially slowing carbohydrate [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and glucose absorption. The compound also acts as an antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which regulates xenobiotic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses. These dual mechanisms suggest potential roles in glucose homeostasis and cellular detoxification pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Currently, no human clinical trials have been conducted on brevifolin supplementation. Available evidence comes exclusively from in vitro laboratory studies examining enzyme inhibition and receptor binding activities. The α-glucosidase inhibition data shows moderate potency compared to pharmaceutical alternatives, but lacks validation in living systems. Clinical benefits remain theoretical and require human studies to establish safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Brevifolin is a pure isolated polyphenolic lactone compound (a coumarin derivative, specifically a dilactone of brevifolic acid), not a whole food or dietary ingredient, and therefore carries no conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profile. Molecular formula: C11H6O7; molecular weight: 254.16 g/mol. It is classified as an ellagitannin-related metabolite and belongs to the class of dehydroellagic acid derivatives found in plants such as Phyllanthus niruri, Euphorbia species, and Canarium species. As a pure bioactive compound, it contains no protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, or dietary minerals in any nutritional sense. The sole nutritionally relevant characteristic is its bioactive phytochemical activity: demonstrated α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50: 323.46 μM in vitro) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonism (in vitro). Bioavailability data in humans is absent; as a lactone polyphenol, compounds in this structural class typically exhibit limited oral bioavailability due to susceptibility to hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract, potential gut microbiome [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), and limited [intestinal permeability](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), though specific pharmacokinetic data for brevifolin in humans has not been established. Concentration in source plants varies by species and extraction method; no standardized dietary concentration reference has been published.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to the absence of human trials. In vitro studies used concentrations such as 10 mM in DMSO. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for brevifolin supplementation in humans is unavailable due to lack of clinical studies. Potential interactions with diabetes medications cannot be ruled out given the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity observed in laboratory settings. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid brevifolin supplements due to insufficient safety data. The compound's effects on AhR signaling may theoretically influence drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), though specific interactions remain unknown.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been found for brevifolin carboxylic acid. The available data are limited to in vitro studies, with no PMIDs for human studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

There are no documented historical or traditional medicinal uses for brevifolin carboxylic acid or its source plant Polygonum capitatum. It is primarily noted as a phytochemical isolate.

## Synergistic Combinations

Resveratrol, Curcumin, Quercetin, Berberine, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is brevifolin's IC50 for α-glucosidase inhibition?

Brevifolin demonstrates α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 323.46 μM in laboratory studies. This indicates moderate enzyme inhibitory potency compared to other natural compounds.

### Are there any human studies on brevifolin supplements?

No human clinical trials have been conducted on brevifolin supplementation. All current evidence comes from in vitro laboratory studies examining enzyme and receptor interactions.

### How does brevifolin affect the aryl hydrocarbon receptor?

Brevifolin acts as an inhibitor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) based on in vitro evidence. This receptor regulates xenobiotic metabolism and inflammatory responses in cells.

### Can brevifolin interact with diabetes medications?

Potential interactions with diabetes drugs cannot be ruled out due to brevifolin's α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. However, no specific drug interaction studies have been conducted in humans.

### What food sources contain brevifolin naturally?

Brevifolin is found in various plant sources, particularly those containing xanthone compounds. However, specific food sources and concentrations require further documentation in scientific literature.

### What is the current evidence quality for brevifolin's health benefits?

Brevifolin's health benefits are based entirely on in vitro (test tube) research showing α-glucosidase inhibition and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity, with no human clinical trials published to date. All purported benefits remain theoretical until controlled human studies are conducted. The lack of clinical evidence means health claims cannot be verified or substantiated at this time.

### Who should avoid brevifolin supplementation due to safety concerns?

Due to the complete absence of human safety studies, brevifolin supplementation should be avoided during pregnancy, lactation, and in children until safety is established. Individuals with glucose metabolism disorders or taking diabetes medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as enzyme inhibition could potentially affect blood sugar control in unpredictable ways.

### How does brevifolin's α-glucosidase inhibition compare to pharmaceutical diabetes drugs?

Brevifolin's IC50 value of 323.46 μM for α-glucosidase inhibition is significantly higher (weaker) than pharmaceutical inhibitors like acarbose, meaning much larger concentrations are needed for comparable enzyme suppression. While pharmaceutical α-glucosidase inhibitors have proven clinical efficacy and safety profiles from extensive human trials, brevifolin lacks any human evidence demonstrating it achieves effective inhibition at biologically achievable doses.

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