# Butein (3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/butein
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone, Tetrahydroxychalcone, Chalcone flavonoid, Annatto chalcone, Lacquer tree chalcone, Rhus chalcone, Butein flavonoid

## Overview

Butein is a natural chalcone compound found in plants that demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties by modulating PDE4/cAMP/p-CREB signaling pathways. Research indicates it may support liver health in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and provide [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s against oxidative damage.

## Health Benefits

• May support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) by modulating PDE4/cAMP/p-CREB signaling pathway in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (animal studies only)
• Demonstrates [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) potential by decreasing oxidative injury and ROS production in glutamate-treated neurons (in vitro evidence)
• Shows promise for reactivating mutant p53 function in cancer cells with specific mutations (cell culture studies)
• Exhibits [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties through radical scavenging activity (laboratory studies)
• May reduce inflammation by suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (preclinical evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Butein modulates the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/phosphorylated CREB response element-binding protein (p-CREB) signaling pathway in liver tissue. It demonstrates [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) activity by reducing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) production and decreasing oxidative injury in glutamate-treated neurons. The compound appears to exert antioxidant effects through direct free radical scavenging and modulation of cellular [stress response](/ingredients/condition/stress) pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Current research on butein is limited to animal studies and in vitro investigations, with no published human clinical trials available. Animal studies examining non-alcoholic steatohepatitis showed [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects through PDE4/cAMP/p-CREB pathway modulation, though specific dosages and sample sizes were not standardized across studies. In vitro neuronal studies demonstrated significant reduction in [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers in glutamate-treated cell cultures. The evidence base remains preliminary and requires human clinical validation to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Butein (3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxychalcone) is a pure polyphenolic chalcone compound, not a food ingredient with classical macronutrient or micronutrient composition. Molecular formula: C15H12O5, molecular weight: 272.25 g/mol. It is not a source of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, or dietary minerals in any nutritional sense. As a bioactive compound, it is classified as a hydroxychalcone flavonoid with four hydroxyl groups positioned at the 3, 4, 2', and 4' positions of the chalcone scaffold, which confers its primary biological activity. Found naturally in plants such as Rhus verniciflua (lacquer tree) bark, Butea monosperma (flame of the forest) flowers, Dahlia variabilis, and Coreopsis species, where it typically occurs at concentrations ranging from trace amounts up to approximately 0.1–1% dry weight depending on plant part and species. Bioavailability is considered limited due to low aqueous solubility (lipophilic character, logP estimated ~2.5–3.0), susceptibility to rapid phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation), and potential gut microbial transformation. No established dietary reference intake exists. Used exclusively as an isolated phytochemical in research and supplement contexts, typically at experimental doses of 10–100 µM in vitro or 10–50 mg/kg in animal studies. No significant caloric contribution.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages in humans are available due to absence of human trials. Animal studies used 20 mg/mL suspended in corn oil via oral gavage in rats. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for butein supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. No established side effect profile, drug interactions, or contraindications have been documented in peer-reviewed literature. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid butein supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals taking medications metabolized by liver enzymes should consult healthcare providers before use, as chalcone compounds may potentially affect hepatic drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials have been published for butein. All available evidence is limited to preclinical studies in animal models and in vitro cell culture experiments. The search contains no PubMed-indexed randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or human clinical studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The search results do not provide information about historical use in traditional medicine systems. While butein is derived from plants with traditional applications, specific traditional medical uses or preparation methods are not documented in the available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other chalcones, polyphenols, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, liver support compounds, [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) flavonoids

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain butein naturally?

Butein is found in various plants including Butea monosperma (flame of the forest), Rhus vernicifera (Chinese lacquer tree), and certain berries. The highest concentrations are typically found in the heartwood and bark of Butea species, though dietary sources provide only small amounts compared to supplement forms.

### How much butein should I take daily?

No standardized dosage recommendations exist for butein supplements due to lack of human clinical trials. Animal studies have used doses ranging from 10-50 mg/kg body weight, but these cannot be directly translated to human dosing without proper clinical validation.

### Can butein help with fatty liver disease?

Animal studies suggest butein may support liver health in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating PDE4/cAMP/p-CREB signaling pathways. However, no human studies have confirmed these effects, and butein should not be used as a treatment for fatty liver disease without medical supervision.

### Does butein interact with blood thinning medications?

No specific interactions between butein and anticoagulant medications have been documented in clinical literature. However, due to limited safety data and potential effects on liver enzyme activity, individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before using butein supplements.

### Is butein better than other chalcone compounds?

Butein shows unique hepatoprotective mechanisms through PDE4/cAMP/p-CREB pathway modulation that differ from other chalcones like isoliquiritigenin or naringenin chalcone. However, comparative efficacy studies between different chalcone compounds are lacking, making it impossible to determine superior therapeutic potential without additional research.

### What does the research evidence show about butein's effectiveness in humans?

Most butein research to date has been conducted in animal models and cell cultures, with limited clinical trials in humans. While promising results have been observed for liver health and neuroprotection in laboratory settings, these findings have not yet been replicated in large-scale human studies. Current evidence is considered preliminary, and more clinical research is needed before making definitive claims about butein's effectiveness in people.

### Is butein safe for long-term supplementation?

Long-term safety data on butein supplementation in humans is limited, as most studies have been short-term or conducted in animal models. While butein has been used in traditional medicine and occurs naturally in certain foods, comprehensive safety profiles for sustained supplementation have not been established. Anyone considering long-term butein use should consult a healthcare provider, particularly if they have existing health conditions or take medications.

### What forms of butein supplements are available, and how do they differ?

Butein is available primarily as a pure isolated compound in capsule or powder form, though some supplements may contain it as part of proprietary plant extracts (such as from Rhus verniciflua or other butein-rich sources). The bioavailability and absorption of isolated butein versus butein from whole plant extracts may differ due to the presence of other compounds that can affect uptake. Standardized extracts specifying butein content may offer more consistent dosing compared to whole plant sources, though comparative bioavailability studies are lacking.

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