# Flavone A (Flavonoid)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/flavone-a
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 2-phenylchromen-4-one, 2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, 2-phenyl-1-benzopyran-4-one, flavon, 2-phenylchromone, benzopyranone derivative

## Overview

Flavone A is a bioactive flavonoid that modulates [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK-STAT signaling cascades. It demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through electron donation from its hydroxyl groups and inhibits multiple kinases including Akt1 and PI3Kγ.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential through NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK-STAT pathway modulation (preliminary evidence from in vitro/animal studies)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via electron and hydrogen donation from hydroxy groups (mechanistic studies only)
• Kinase inhibition targeting Akt1, MKK4, Fyn, PI3Kγ, p38MAPK, and JNK3 (in vitro evidence)
• Potential cellular signaling modulation through aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor interactions (mechanistic data)
• May influence CYP1A1 gene expression through AhR binding (in vitro studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Flavone A suppresses [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses by blocking NF-κB nuclear translocation and inhibiting MAPK and JNK-STAT pathway activation. The compound directly inhibits kinases including Akt1, MKK4, Fyn, PI3Kγ, and p38MAP through competitive binding at their active sites. Its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects occur via electron and hydrogen atom donation from hydroxyl groups on the flavone backbone.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Flavone A is limited to in vitro cell culture studies and animal models, with no human clinical trials available. Laboratory studies have demonstrated kinase inhibition and pathway modulation at micromolar concentrations. Animal studies suggest [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, but dosages and bioavailability in humans remain unknown. The preliminary nature of existing research prevents definitive conclusions about therapeutic efficacy in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Flavone A is a base-structure flavonoid (2-phenylchromen-4-one backbone, MW ~222.24 g/mol) and is not a macronutrient source — it provides negligible calories, protein, fat, fiber, or carbohydrates at physiologically relevant doses. Its significance is entirely as a bioactive polyphenolic compound. Key details: • Core structure: C₁₅H₁₀O₂ (unsubstituted flavone); substituted variants (e.g., apigenin/luteolin-type) carry hydroxyl groups at C-5, C-7, and/or C-4' positions that are critical for both [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) electron/hydrogen donation and kinase-binding affinity. • Typical dietary occurrence: Found in low concentrations (roughly 0.5–5 mg per 100 g fresh weight) in celery, parsley, chamomile, and certain citrus peels, often as O- or C-glycoside conjugates (e.g., flavone-7-O-glucuronide). • Bioactive concentration in purified form: Research doses commonly range from 10–100 µM in vitro; animal studies use approximately 10–50 mg/kg body weight orally. • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability of aglycone flavones is generally low (estimated <5–10% in humans) due to extensive Phase I (CYP1A2, CYP3A4-mediated hydroxylation) and Phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation via UGT1A1/1A3, sulfation via SULT1A1). C-glycosylated forms require intestinal microbial deglycosylation before absorption, further reducing and delaying systemic availability. Peak plasma concentrations after a single oral dose are typically in the low nanomolar-to-low micromolar range. • Key functional groups: Hydroxyl substituents (when present) donate electrons/hydrogens for radical scavenging (ORAC, DPPH activity); the C2–C3 double bond conjugated with the 4-oxo group enables planarity essential for π-π stacking in kinase ATP-binding pockets (Akt1, MKK4, Fyn, PI3Kγ, p38MAPK, JNK3). • No significant vitamin or mineral content intrinsic to the compound itself. • Lipophilicity: LogP ≈ 2.7–3.2 (aglycone), suggesting moderate membrane permeability but poor aqueous solubility (~0.01–0.05 mg/mL in water at 25 °C); glycosylation increases water solubility but reduces passive transcellular absorption. • Protein binding: Extensively bound to serum albumin (>90%), which serves as a plasma reservoir but limits free-fraction bioactivity. • Interaction with [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health): Unabsorbed flavone reaching the colon undergoes C-ring fission by Clostridium and Eubacterium spp., yielding phenylpropionic acid and phloroglucinol derivatives that may contribute additional bioactivity.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges, standardized forms, or preparation methods have been established for flavones based on human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Flavone A supplementation in humans is not established due to lack of clinical studies. Theoretical drug interactions may occur with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes or anticoagulant therapies. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. Individuals taking immunosuppressive medications should consult healthcare providers due to potential [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for flavones were identified in the research dossier. Current evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies examining [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine uses for flavones were documented in the provided research. Traditional applications remain unspecified in the scientific literature reviewed.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Resveratrol, Curcumin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Flavone A and other flavonoids?

Flavone A specifically targets kinases like Akt1, MKK4, and PI3Kγ through direct binding inhibition. Unlike other flavonoids, it modulates multiple inflammatory pathways simultaneously including NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK-STAT cascades.

### How much Flavone A should I take daily?

No established human dosage exists for Flavone A as clinical trials have not been conducted. Laboratory studies used micromolar concentrations, but bioavailability and effective doses in humans remain unknown.

### Can Flavone A interact with blood pressure medications?

Potential interactions with blood pressure medications are possible due to Flavone A's kinase inhibition properties affecting PI3Kγ and p38MAP pathways. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with cardiovascular medications.

### Is Flavone A better than vitamin C for antioxidant effects?

Flavone A's antioxidant mechanism differs from vitamin C, working through hydroxyl group electron donation rather than ascorbic acid pathways. Direct comparative studies between these compounds have not been performed.

### What foods naturally contain Flavone A?

Specific food sources of Flavone A are not well-documented in nutritional databases. Most flavone compounds are found in citrus fruits, herbs, and vegetables, but Flavone A content varies significantly between sources.

### What does the research show about Flavone A's anti-inflammatory effects in humans?

Current evidence for Flavone A's anti-inflammatory potential comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies demonstrating its ability to modulate NF-κB, MAPK, and JNK-STAT pathways. Human clinical trials are limited, so while the mechanistic pathways are promising, direct evidence of anti-inflammatory benefits in people has not yet been established. More rigorous human research is needed before definitive claims can be made about its effectiveness in reducing inflammation.

### Who should consider Flavone A supplementation and who should avoid it?

Flavone A may be of interest to individuals seeking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support based on preliminary mechanistic research, though clinical efficacy in humans remains unproven. Those taking kinase inhibitors or immunosuppressant medications should consult a healthcare provider, as Flavone A's ability to inhibit multiple kinases (Akt1, PI3Kγ, p38MAPK, JNK3) could potentially interfere with these treatments. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with specific kinase-dependent conditions should avoid supplementation until human safety data becomes available.

### How does Flavone A's antioxidant mechanism work at the molecular level?

Flavone A exerts antioxidant effects through electron and hydrogen atom donation from its hydroxy groups, which allows it to neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species. This mechanism has been demonstrated in mechanistic and in vitro studies but has not been extensively validated in human tissue or whole-organism systems. The practical antioxidant capacity of Flavone A in the human body under various dietary and physiological conditions remains largely unknown.

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