# Cirsiliol **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cirsiliol **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3',5,7-trihydroxy-6,4'-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,3'-trihydroxy-6,4'-dimethoxyflavone, Cirsiliol flavone, 6,4'-dimethoxy-3',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, Methoxylated flavone, Salvia flavonoid compound ## Overview Cirsiliol is a flavonoid compound found in plants like artichoke and certain herbs that exhibits anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties. Research demonstrates its ability to modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and inhibit tumor cell proliferation in preclinical studies. ## Health Benefits • May reduce inflammatory bowel disease symptoms - mouse studies showed significant reduction in disease activity index and colon [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) at 10-30 mg/kg doses (animal evidence only) • Potential anti-cancer effects - suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth in mice and inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation in vitro (preliminary evidence) • Supports intestinal barrier function - upregulated tight junction proteins Claudin-1, Occludin, and E-cadherin in mouse colitis models (animal evidence only) • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties - increased [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels while decreasing malondialdehyde in inflammatory conditions (animal evidence only) • May improve diabetic cardiomyopathy - preliminary evidence suggests benefits through PPAR pathway modulation (very limited evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Cirsiliol exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and reducing NF-κB pathway activation. In cancer research, it demonstrates anti-proliferative activity by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells and modulating cell cycle progression. The compound also shows antioxidant properties through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms. ## Clinical Summary Current research on cirsiliol is limited to animal and in vitro studies, with no human clinical trials available. Mouse studies for inflammatory bowel disease showed significant improvements at 10-30 mg/kg doses, including reduced disease activity index and colon [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Anti-cancer effects have been observed in hepatocellular carcinoma and colon cancer cell lines in laboratory settings. The evidence remains preliminary and requires human studies to establish clinical efficacy and safety. ## Nutritional Profile Cirsiliol (5,3',4'-trihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone) is a methoxylated flavone with molecular formula C₁₇H₁₄O₇ and molecular weight ~330.29 g/mol. It is not a macronutrient source and is relevant solely as a bioactive polyphenolic compound. Found naturally in small quantities in plants of the Lamiaceae family, particularly in Leonotis nepetifolia, Salvia species, and Achillea fragrantissima, as well as in certain Compositae species. Typical concentrations in source plants range from trace amounts to approximately 0.01–0.5% of dry weight depending on species, plant part, and extraction conditions. Key structural features include methoxy groups at C-6 and C-7 and hydroxyl groups at C-5, C-3', and C-4', which contribute to its antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties. As a methoxylated flavone, cirsiliol generally exhibits higher metabolic stability and improved membrane permeability compared to unmethylated flavones, potentially conferring moderate oral bioavailability relative to more polar flavonoids. However, like most dietary flavonoids, it is subject to extensive Phase I/II hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation) and gut microbial biotransformation, which may limit systemic bioavailability in its parent form. No significant macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber), vitamin, or mineral content is associated with cirsiliol itself. Its primary biological activities are attributed to its capacity to modulate NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways, inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS), and interact with kinase cascades involved in [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and cell proliferation. In experimental models, effective concentrations in vitro typically range from 5–50 µM, while in vivo studies in mice have used oral doses of 10–30 mg/kg body weight. No established Recommended Daily Intake exists, and human pharmacokinetic data are currently unavailable. ## Dosage & Preparation Animal studies used 10-30 mg/kg body weight daily for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) conditions and 20 mg/kg every three days for cancer models. In vitro studies employed 10-50 µM concentrations. No human dosage has been established due to absence of clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for cirsiliol in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though caution is advised with anticoagulant medications due to potential flavonoid interactions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cirsiliol supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers before use. ## Scientific Research Current evidence for cirsiliol consists entirely of preclinical animal studies and in vitro research, with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include DNBS-induced colitis models in C57BL/6 mice showing efficacy comparable to sulfasalazine, and hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft studies in BALB/c nu/nu mice demonstrating tumor growth suppression. No PMIDs were provided in the research dossier. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research provides no information regarding cirsiliol's historical use in traditional medicine systems. Its traditional applications, if any, are not documented in the available literature. ## Synergistic Combinations Sulfasalazine, Quercetin, Curcumin, [Glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox), Eupatorin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain cirsiliol? Cirsiliol is naturally found in artichoke leaves, certain Mediterranean herbs, and some citrus fruits. However, dietary sources typically provide very low concentrations compared to concentrated supplements. ### What dosage of cirsiliol was effective in studies? Animal studies used doses of 10-30 mg/kg body weight for inflammatory bowel disease effects. No established human dosage exists due to lack of clinical trials. ### Can cirsiliol help with cancer treatment? Laboratory studies show cirsiliol may inhibit cancer cell growth in liver and colon cancers. However, these are preliminary findings from cell cultures and animal models, not human cancer patients. ### Is cirsiliol safe to take daily? Daily safety of cirsiliol supplements is unknown due to absence of human safety studies. Current evidence comes only from short-term animal research. ### How long does cirsiliol take to work? In animal studies, anti-inflammatory effects were observed within days to weeks of treatment. Human timeframes are unknown and may differ significantly from animal models. ### What is the difference between cirsiliol and other flavonoids for gut health? Cirsiliol is a polymethoxylated flavonoid with a unique chemical structure that appears particularly effective at strengthening intestinal barrier function compared to common flavonoids like quercetin or kaempferol. While other flavonoids offer general antioxidant benefits, cirsiliol's specific mechanism targets tight junction proteins in the intestinal wall, making it potentially more relevant for inflammatory bowel disease. However, human clinical data comparing cirsiliol directly to other flavonoids remains limited, with most evidence coming from animal and in vitro studies. ### Who should avoid cirsiliol supplementation due to existing health conditions? Individuals with severe liver disease should exercise caution with cirsiliol, as some preliminary evidence suggests it affects hepatocellular processes, though current research is primarily in cancer models rather than toxicity studies. Those with active inflammatory bowel disease considering cirsiliol should consult healthcare providers, as the existing evidence is limited to mouse models and clinical efficacy in humans has not been established. People taking medications metabolized by liver enzymes may want to discuss cirsiliol supplementation with their doctor, though specific drug-herb interactions have not been formally documented. ### How strong is the current research evidence supporting cirsiliol's health benefits? The evidence for cirsiliol remains preliminary, with most data coming from mouse models and laboratory cell studies rather than human clinical trials, meaning claims about inflammatory bowel disease or cancer benefits cannot yet be confirmed in people. The intestinal barrier function studies showing promise were conducted in animal disease models at specific doses (10-30 mg/kg), which do not directly translate to human supplement recommendations. To date, there are no published large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans evaluating cirsiliol's safety or efficacy, so it should be considered an experimental compound rather than an established therapeutic agent. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*