# Daphnetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/daphnetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin, 7,8-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one, Daphne coumarin, Dihydroxycoumarin, 7,8-dihydroxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one ## Overview Daphnetin is a natural coumarin derivative (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin) extracted primarily from Daphne species plants, acting as a potent inhibitor of protein kinases and cyclooxygenase enzymes. Its primary mechanisms involve suppression of NF-κB signaling and [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing, driving its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antioxidant properties observed in preclinical research. ## Health Benefits • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Demonstrated in preclinical studies, though no human trials confirm efficacy. • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties: Shown in animal models, with no direct clinical evidence. • [Neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) benefits: Observed in vitro, lacking human trial confirmation. • [Hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects: Noted in animal studies, without human data. • Anti-cancer potential: Indicated in preclinical research, but lacks clinical validation. ## Mechanism of Action Daphnetin (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin) inhibits protein kinase activity, particularly CaM kinase II and several receptor tyrosine kinases, disrupting downstream inflammatory cascades. It suppresses NF-κB nuclear translocation, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while also inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme activity to limit prostaglandin synthesis. Its catechol-like dihydroxy structure on the benzene ring confers direct [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing capacity and Nrf2 pathway activation, supporting antioxidant enzyme upregulation including superoxide dismutase and catalase. ## Clinical Summary The vast majority of daphnetin research consists of in vitro cell studies and rodent models, with no robust randomized controlled human trials published as of 2024. Animal studies in murine models of arthritis demonstrated significant reductions in paw swelling and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine levels at doses ranging from 10–40 mg/kg, but these findings have not been translated to human pharmacokinetic or efficacy data. [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s have been observed in rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, showing reduced infarct volume and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers, while [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) activity was demonstrated in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury models with improved AST and ALT enzyme profiles. The overall evidence base remains preclinical, and claims of human therapeutic benefit are not currently supported by clinical trial data. ## Nutritional Profile Daphnetin (7,8-dihydroxycoumarin) is a pure bioactive coumarin compound, not a whole food ingredient, and thus lacks conventional macronutrient or micronutrient content. Molecular weight: 178.14 g/mol. Molecular formula: C9H6O4. It is not a source of protein, fat, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, or dietary minerals in any nutritional sense. Primary bioactive identity: a naturally occurring coumarin derivative isolated predominantly from plants of the genus Daphne (e.g., Daphne odora, Daphne genkwa) and Wikstroemia indica. Bioactive compound concentration in source plants: daphnetin content in Daphne species bark and root extracts ranges approximately 0.1–2.5 mg/g dry weight depending on plant part and extraction method. As an isolated compound, it is studied in concentrations of 10–100 µM in vitro and 10–50 mg/kg body weight in rodent in vivo models. Bioavailability notes: oral bioavailability is reported as moderate to low in animal pharmacokinetic studies, with rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via glucuronidation and sulfation; peak plasma concentration (Cmax) reached within 0.5–2 hours post-administration in rodent models; half-life approximately 1–3 hours. Lipophilicity (logP) is approximately 1.0, suggesting moderate membrane permeability. No human pharmacokinetic data currently available. Not a dietary supplement ingredient with established human dosing. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Daphnetin has not been formally evaluated for safety in human clinical trials, making definitive side effect profiling impossible at this time. In animal studies, high-dose administration has been associated with mild hepatic stress markers, and its potent kinase-inhibitory properties raise theoretical concerns about interactions with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, given that many coumarins interfere with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Daphnetin's inhibition of CYP450 enzymes in vitro suggests potential for drug-drug interactions affecting the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of statins, immunosuppressants, and other hepatically cleared compounds. Use during pregnancy or lactation is contraindicated due to the absence of safety data and the known uterotonic potential of some coumarin-class compounds. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses for daphnetin were identified. Evidence is limited to preclinical studies focusing on its pharmacological potential. ## Historical & Cultural Context Daphne species have been used in traditional medicine for their [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and uric acid excretion effects. Daphnetin was first isolated in 1820 and appears in Chinese medicinal herbs. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, Curcumin, Resveratrol, Green Tea Extract, Black Pepper Extract ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is daphnetin and what plant is it found in? Daphnetin is a 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin compound naturally occurring in plants of the Daphne genus, particularly Daphne odora and Daphne genkwa, as well as in some Artemisia species. It is a hydroxylated derivative of coumarin, and its catechol moiety on the aromatic ring is responsible for much of its biological activity including free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition. ### Does daphnetin reduce inflammation? Daphnetin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies by inhibiting NF-κB signaling, suppressing COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in cell and animal models. In rodent arthritis models, oral doses of 20–40 mg/kg significantly reduced paw edema and synovial inflammation. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects in people. ### Is daphnetin safe to take as a supplement? Daphnetin has not been evaluated in formal human safety trials, so its tolerability, maximum safe dose, and long-term side effect profile in humans are unknown. Animal studies suggest potential CYP450 enzyme inhibition, which could interfere with drug metabolism, and its structural similarity to anticoagulant coumarins warrants caution in individuals on blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Supplementation should only be considered under medical supervision given the lack of human safety data. ### What is the difference between daphnetin and daphne extract? Daphne extract is a crude preparation from Daphne plant material containing multiple bioactive constituents including daphnoretin, daphnetin, genkwanin, and various flavonoids, while daphnetin refers specifically to the isolated 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin molecule. Standardized daphnetin isolates allow more precise dosing and mechanistic study compared to whole plant extracts, which have variable phytochemical profiles and may carry additional toxicity risks from other Daphne alkaloids and diterpenes. ### Can daphnetin protect the brain or liver? Preclinical data suggest neuroprotective potential: in rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models, daphnetin reduced infarct volume and lowered malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation marker) by activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathways. For liver protection, animal studies using carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity showed daphnetin treatment significantly lowered serum AST and ALT levels and reduced hepatic fibrosis markers. Both findings are limited to animal models, and no human trials have investigated these effects in patients with neurological or liver conditions. ### What does the current clinical research say about daphnetin's effectiveness in humans? Most research on daphnetin remains in the preclinical stage, conducted in test tubes and animal models rather than human trials. While studies show promise for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, there is currently no robust clinical evidence confirming these benefits translate to humans. More human-based research is needed before definitive claims about efficacy can be made. ### Does daphnetin interact with common medications? Limited research exists on potential drug interactions with daphnetin due to the lack of extensive human studies. Because daphnetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, there is theoretical potential for interactions with blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, though this has not been formally documented. Consult with a healthcare provider before combining daphnetin supplements with prescription medications. ### What is the recommended dosage of daphnetin, and is there a standard dose? No established standard dosage for daphnetin in humans exists, as clinical dose-finding studies have not been conducted. Most available daphnetin supplements follow doses based on traditional use or animal study extrapolations, but these lack human validation. Starting with the manufacturer's recommended dose and consulting a healthcare provider is advisable until more human data becomes available. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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