# Galangin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/galangin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, Galangin-3-ol, Galanga flavonol, Lesser galangal extract, Alpinia flavonoid ## Overview Galangin is a flavonoid compound found primarily in propolis and Alpinia galanga that exhibits anti-tumor and antidiabetic properties. It works by inhibiting PD-L1 expression to enhance immune response and blocking DPP-4 enzyme to improve [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). ## Health Benefits • May enhance immune response against tumors by inhibiting PD-L1 expression and increasing [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity (preliminary evidence from cell and mouse studies, PMID: 37267692) • Could support blood sugar management through DPP-4 inhibition, improving glucose uptake (preliminary evidence from rat cell studies, PMID: 30862104) • May protect kidney function in diabetes by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers like TNF-α and IL-6 (preliminary evidence from rat studies at 15 mg/kg, PMID: 34099583) • Potentially inhibits cancer cell invasion and metastasis via PKC/ERK pathways (preliminary evidence from HepG2 cell studies, PMID: 25698902) • May reduce hyperuricemic kidney damage through multiple metabolic pathways (preliminary evidence from animal studies, PMID: 35641103) ## Mechanism of Action Galangin inhibits programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on tumor cells, allowing [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s to maintain their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. It also blocks dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, which normally degrades incretin hormones, leading to improved [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucose uptake in cells. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for galangin comes primarily from in vitro cell studies and animal models rather than human clinical trials. Cell culture studies demonstrate PD-L1 inhibition and enhanced [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against tumor cells. Rat studies show DPP-4 inhibition leading to improved [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), but effective dosages and safety profiles in humans remain unclear. Large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these preliminary benefits. ## Nutritional Profile Galangin (3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonol (molecular formula: C₁₅H₁₀O₅, molecular weight: 270.24 g/mol) found primarily in Alpinia officinarum (lesser galangal) rhizome at concentrations of approximately 0.1–1.5% dry weight, as well as in propolis (particularly from Apis mellifera, ~10–15% of total flavonoid content in some varieties) and honey in trace amounts. It is not a macronutrient source and provides negligible calories, protein, fat, fiber, or carbohydrates at pharmacologically relevant doses. Key bioactive characteristics include: • Flavonol backbone with hydroxyl groups at C-3, C-5, and C-7 positions, lacking B-ring hydroxylation, which distinguishes it from kaempferol and quercetin and contributes to its relatively higher lipophilicity among flavonols (log P ~2.1). • Contains no vitamins or minerals itself but co-occurs in galangal rhizome alongside other bioactive flavonoids such as kaempferide (~0.05–0.5% dry weight) and alpinin, as well as volatile oils (1,8-cineole, methyl cinnamate). • Bioavailability is limited due to poor aqueous solubility (~11 µg/mL in water at 25°C), rapid Phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (extensive glucuronidation and sulfation in intestinal and hepatic tissues), and relatively short plasma half-life. Oral bioavailability in rodent models is estimated at <10%. • Undergoes significant first-pass metabolism; primary metabolites include galangin-7-O-glucuronide and galangin-7-O-sulfate, which may retain partial biological activity. • Absorption may be enhanced by co-administration with piperine or lipid-based delivery systems (nanoencapsulation has shown 3–5× improved bioavailability in preclinical studies). • Antioxidant capacity: ORAC values are moderate among flavonols; acts primarily through direct [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing (particularly superoxide and hydroxyl radicals), chelation of transition metal ions (Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺), and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx) via Nrf2/ARE pathway activation. • Exhibits interactions with multiple molecular targets at micromolar concentrations in vitro, including COX-2, CYP1A1, aromatase (CYP19), xanthine oxidase (IC₅₀ ~2–10 µM), and various kinases relevant to its reported [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anticancer properties. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies have used 15 mg/kg/day orally for 8 weeks in diabetic rats. Human dosing, standardization, and optimal forms remain unestablished. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for galangin supplementation in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. As a flavonoid, it may interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Individuals taking diabetes medications should exercise caution due to potential additive blood sugar lowering effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid galangin supplements due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research Current evidence for galangin is limited to preclinical studies, with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. Key research includes in vitro and xenograft studies on PD-L1 inhibition (PMID: 37267692), DPP-4 inhibition in rat cells (PMID: 30862104), and diabetic nephropathy models in rats using 15 mg/kg doses (PMID: 34099583). ## Historical & Cultural Context Galangin is a food-derived flavonoid from plants like galangal (Alpinia officinarum), which has been used in traditional medicine systems. While modern reviews highlight its pharmacological potential, specific historical uses and durations are not detailed in current research. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, Curcumin, EGCG, Resveratrol, Berberine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain galangin naturally? Galangin is found primarily in bee propolis, Alpinia galanga (Thai ginger), and honey. Propolis contains the highest concentrations, typically ranging from 10-20mg per gram of propolis extract. ### How much galangin should I take daily? No established dosage exists for galangin due to limited human studies. Research has used doses ranging from 10-100mg in animal studies, but human equivalent doses and safety limits haven't been determined. ### Can galangin help with diabetes management? Preliminary rat studies suggest galangin may improve blood sugar control by inhibiting DPP-4 enzyme, similar to prescription diabetes drugs. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and safety for diabetes management. ### Does galangin have anticancer properties? Cell and mouse studies show galangin can inhibit PD-L1 expression and enhance immune T-cell activity against tumors. These are very early-stage findings and extensive human trials are required before any cancer treatment claims can be made. ### What's the difference between galangin and other flavonoids? Galangin has a unique molecular structure with hydroxyl groups at positions 3, 5, and 7, distinguishing it from quercetin or kaempferol. This structure gives it specific PD-L1 and DPP-4 inhibitory activities not seen with other flavonoids. ### Does galangin interact with diabetes medications like metformin or insulin? Galangin may potentiate glucose-lowering effects through DPP-4 inhibition, which could theoretically increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or other diabetes drugs. Limited human data exists on this interaction, so anyone taking diabetes medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding galangin supplements. Blood sugar monitoring may be advisable if combining galangin with antidiabetic agents. ### Is galangin safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish the safety of galangin supplementation during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it should be avoided in these populations unless explicitly advised by a healthcare provider. Most flavonoid safety data comes from food sources rather than concentrated supplements, which deliver higher amounts. Pregnant and nursing women should prioritize established nutritional guidelines over experimental bioactive compounds. ### What does the current clinical evidence really show about galangin's effectiveness in humans? Most galangin research consists of cell culture and animal studies; robust human clinical trials are limited or absent for most proposed benefits including immune modulation and kidney protection in diabetes. The preliminary evidence for immune checkpoint inhibition (PD-L1) and glucose metabolism comes from mouse models, which do not always translate to human efficacy. More well-designed human studies are needed before making strong claims about galangin's therapeutic potential. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. 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