# Eupatorin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eupatorin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 5,3'-dihydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, Java tea flavone, Orthosiphon flavone, Polymethoxy eupatorin, Cat's whiskers flavone, Misai kucing compound, Kumis kucing flavone

## Overview

Eupatorin is a polymethoxyflavone compound found in Asteraceae plants that exhibits anti-cancer and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. It works primarily by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and modulating inflammatory cytokine pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Shows potential in delaying tumor development and reducing metastasis in a breast cancer model (PMID: 32830560) [Preclinical]. • Induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation in various cancer cell lines (PMID: 22227008) [Cell-based]. • Reduces [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression in osteoarthritis models (PMID: 41504045) [In vitro]. • Enhances immune response by increasing specific splenocyte populations (PMID: 32830560) [Animal]. • Delays amyloidogenesis of Aβ peptides, suggesting [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) potential (PMID: 37239029) [In vitro].

## Mechanism of Action

Eupatorin induces apoptosis in cancer cells through activation of caspase pathways and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. It suppresses [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. The compound also demonstrates anti-metastatic effects by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression and cell migration capacity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for eupatorin is limited to preclinical studies and cell-based research. In vitro studies show significant apoptosis induction in multiple cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 10-50 μM. Animal models demonstrate tumor growth inhibition and reduced metastasis in breast cancer, though human clinical trials are lacking. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been observed in osteoarthritis cell models, but clinical validation is needed.

## Nutritional Profile

Eupatorin (5,3'-dihydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone; C₁₈H₁₆O₇; MW ~344.32 g/mol) is a polymethoxylated flavone, not a nutritional macronutrient source. It provides no significant calories, protein, fat, fiber, or carbohydrate content at pharmacologically relevant doses. Key details: • **Chemical class:** Lipophilic methoxylated flavone belonging to the broader flavonoid family. • **Natural sources & approximate concentrations:** Found in Orthosiphon stamineus (Java tea/Cat's Whiskers) at ~0.3–2.0% of dried leaf extract; Lantana camara leaves; Artemisia vulgaris; Salvia species; and several Eupatorium species. Concentrations vary widely by plant part, cultivar, geography, and extraction method. • **Bioactive compound profile:** As a single-entity phytochemical, eupatorin itself is the bioactive. It bears three methoxy groups (C-6, C-7, C-4') and two free hydroxyls (C-5, C-3'), which govern its biological activity. It is structurally related to sinensetin, salvigenin, and cirsimaritin. • **Micronutrients:** Not a meaningful source of vitamins or minerals. • **Bioavailability notes:** Oral bioavailability is expected to be low-to-moderate, consistent with other polymethoxylated flavones. The methoxy groups increase lipophilicity (estimated log P ~2.5–3.0), which may improve membrane permeability relative to polyhydroxylated flavones but also subjects it to extensive Phase I (CYP450-mediated O-demethylation) and Phase II (glucuronidation, sulfation) hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Intestinal absorption is passive transcellular. Plasma half-life in rodent models appears short (estimated 1–4 hours). Co-administration with lipids or formulation in nanoparticle/liposomal carriers may enhance absorption. No validated human pharmacokinetic data are currently published. • **Stability:** Relatively stable under mildly acidic conditions; susceptible to degradation under prolonged UV exposure and strongly alkaline pH. • **Typical experimental doses (preclinical):** In vitro studies commonly use 1–100 µM; in vivo rodent studies use approximately 10–100 mg/kg body weight orally or intraperitoneally. No established human dietary reference intake or recommended dose exists.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used dosages of 5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in mice and 1–20 μg/mL concentrations in C. elegans models. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for eupatorin in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. No established dosage recommendations or toxicity profiles exist for human consumption. Potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs or [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) medications are unknown and require caution. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been evaluated, making use inadvisable during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence for eupatorin is limited to preclinical and animal studies. Notable studies include a 4T1 murine breast cancer model showing delayed tumor development (PMID: 32830560) and in vitro models demonstrating effects on amyloid-beta (PMID: 37239029). No human clinical trials have been conducted.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Orthosiphon stamineus, from which eupatorin is extracted, is traditionally used in herbal medicine. Although specific uses of eupatorin are not well-documented, Java tea has been employed for its potential health benefits in various cultures.

## Synergistic Combinations

scutellarein, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain eupatorin naturally?

Eupatorin is found in plants from the Asteraceae family, particularly in Orthosiphon stamineus (Java tea) and various Eupatorium species. It's also present in some traditional medicinal herbs used in Asian folk medicine.

### How does eupatorin compare to other flavonoids for cancer?

Eupatorin shows stronger apoptotic effects than some common flavonoids, with IC50 values of 10-50 μM in cancer cells. Unlike quercetin or kaempferol, eupatorin specifically targets G2/M cell cycle arrest and demonstrates notable anti-metastatic properties.

### What is the typical dosage of eupatorin in studies?

Preclinical studies typically use concentrations of 10-100 μM in cell cultures and 10-50 mg/kg in animal models. No human dosage recommendations exist as clinical trials have not been conducted with isolated eupatorin.

### Can eupatorin be taken with chemotherapy drugs?

The safety of combining eupatorin with chemotherapy is unknown due to lack of interaction studies. Given its potent cellular effects, consultation with an oncologist is essential before considering any eupatorin-containing supplements during cancer treatment.

### How long does it take for eupatorin to show effects?

In cell studies, eupatorin induces apoptosis within 24-48 hours of treatment. Animal studies show tumor growth inhibition after 2-4 weeks of treatment, but human timeframes are unknown due to absence of clinical data.

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

Long-term safety data for eupatorin supplementation in humans is limited, as most research has been conducted in cell-based and animal models rather than clinical trials. Current evidence suggests eupatorin is well-tolerated in preclinical studies, but sustained use safety profiles have not been established in human populations. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before beginning long-term supplementation, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions.

### What is the current state of clinical evidence for eupatorin's health benefits?

Most eupatorin research remains at the preclinical stage, with demonstrated effects in breast cancer cell lines and osteoarthritis models showing promise for anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic activity. However, human clinical trials are sparse or absent, meaning efficacy and optimal dosing in people have not yet been rigorously established. The gap between laboratory findings and clinical application means eupatorin should be considered an investigational compound rather than a proven therapeutic agent.

### Who might benefit most from eupatorin supplementation based on current research?

Based on preclinical evidence, individuals interested in anti-inflammatory support for conditions like osteoarthritis or those seeking complementary approaches to cancer prevention may be candidates for eupatorin exploration. However, the absence of human clinical trials means benefit populations cannot be definitively identified. Anyone considering eupatorin supplementation should first discuss potential applications with their healthcare provider, as research evidence does not yet support specific population recommendations.

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