# Hernearin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/hernearin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** herniarin, 7-methoxycoumarin, umbelliferone methyl ether, methoxy coumarin, chamomile coumarin, Apiaceae coumarin

## Overview

Hernearin is a naturally occurring coumarin glycoside found in plants such as Matricaria chamomilla and Herniaria species, where it acts as a bioactive phenolic compound with documented anticancer, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and cytoprotective properties. Its primary mechanisms involve modulation of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators at the cellular level.

## Health Benefits

• Exhibits anticancer activity, particularly against Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells, with an IC50 of 83.744 µM (preclinical evidence).
• Provides protective effects against cisplatin-induced genotoxicity in rat models (preclinical evidence).
• Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in standardized fractions from Distictis buccinatoria (preclinical evidence).
• Shows potential [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in unspecified models (preclinical evidence).
• May suppress metastasis-related genes like MMP2 in cancer cells (preclinical evidence).

## Mechanism of Action

Hernearin exerts anticancer activity partly through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer cell lines, with an IC50 of 83.744 µM against Panc-1 cells, likely involving disruption of [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential and caspase cascade activation. Its cytoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced genotoxicity are mediated through antioxidant activity, including scavenging of [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) and potential upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Anti-inflammatory activity is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and suppression of NF-κB-driven [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production, including TNF-α and IL-6.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for hernearin is entirely preclinical, derived from in vitro cell culture studies and animal models, with no published human clinical trials as of the current literature. Anticancer activity was demonstrated in Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines with a quantified IC50 of 83.744 µM, indicating moderate cytotoxic potency in a laboratory setting. Genoprotective effects were established in cisplatin-treated rat models, where hernearin reduced markers of DNA damage and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compared to untreated controls. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties have been observed in standardized experimental models, though effect sizes and precise dosing from animal studies cannot be directly translated to human recommendations without clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Herniarin (7-methoxycoumarin; C₁₀H₈O₃; MW 176.17 g/mol) is a simple coumarin derivative, not a macronutrient or dietary supplement, and therefore does not possess a conventional nutritional profile (no protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, vitamin, or mineral content in a dietary sense). Key bioactive characteristics: • It is a methyl ether derivative of umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin), classified within the coumarin family of phenylpropanoids. • Naturally occurring concentrations vary by plant source: found in Chamomilla recutita (German chamomile) essential oil at approximately 0.1–3.0% of essential oil content; present in Herniaria glabra (smooth rupturewort) at trace to low-milligram-per-gram levels in dried herb; also identified in Artemisia, Lavandula, and Distictis buccinatoria species. • Lipophilic character (LogP ~1.89) contributes to moderate membrane permeability; oral bioavailability data in humans is limited, but in vitro and rodent pharmacokinetic studies suggest reasonable gastrointestinal absorption with hepatic Phase I (CYP450-mediated O-demethylation back to umbelliferone) and Phase II (glucuronidation, sulfation) [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), likely resulting in moderate systemic bioavailability. • Primary bioactive compounds co-occurring in herniarin-rich plant extracts include umbelliferone, scopoletin, apigenin, luteolin, chamazulene, and α-bisabolol, which may contribute synergistically to observed pharmacological effects. • Reported in vitro IC₅₀ values: ~83.7 µM against Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells; cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity also noted against select other cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations. • Anti-inflammatory activity attributed to inhibition of NF-κB signaling and suppression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (TNF-α, IL-6) at concentrations typically in the 10–100 µM range in cell-based assays. • No established Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), or recognized dietary reference values exist. Herniarin is studied exclusively as a phytochemical compound with pharmacological potential, not as a nutritional component.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist due to the absence of human trials. Preclinical studies use herniarin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles with IC50 values of 83.744–138.34 µM in cancer cell models. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Hernearin lacks human clinical trial data, making a comprehensive safety profile difficult to establish; however, coumarins as a class are associated with potential hepatotoxicity at high doses and should be used cautiously by individuals with liver conditions. Because coumarin derivatives can exhibit anticoagulant properties, hernearin may theoretically potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, increasing bleeding risk, though direct interaction data for hernearin specifically are not established. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid hernearin-containing preparations due to the absence of safety data and known concerns regarding coumarin compounds during pregnancy. Individuals taking cisplatin or other chemotherapy agents should consult an oncologist before use, as preclinical genoprotective interactions could theoretically alter chemotherapy efficacy.

## Scientific Research

There are no human clinical trials or meta-analyses available for herniarin. The evidence is limited to preclinical studies, including in vitro cytotoxicity studies against cancer cell lines and in vivo rat studies on genotoxicity.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No specific historical or traditional medicinal uses for herniarin were found. It is known as a constituent of plants like chamomile, which have traditional applications, though specific uses for herniarin are undocumented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Daphnoretin, Curcumin, Resveratrol, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is hernearin and what plants contain it?

Hernearin is a naturally occurring coumarin compound (7-methoxycoumarin-6-glucoside class) found primarily in Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), Herniaria glabra, and related plant species. It is one of the characteristic bioactive coumarins isolated from chamomile extracts and has been studied for its pharmacological properties in preclinical settings.

### Can hernearin help fight pancreatic cancer?

Preclinical in vitro research has demonstrated that hernearin inhibits the proliferation of Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cells with an IC50 of 83.744 µM, suggesting moderate cytotoxic activity in a laboratory setting. However, no human clinical trials have been conducted, and this data cannot be used to make therapeutic claims or replace standard oncological treatment.

### Does hernearin protect against chemotherapy-induced DNA damage?

Animal studies using rat models have shown that hernearin provides genoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced genotoxicity, reducing DNA strand breaks and oxidative damage markers compared to controls. This effect is thought to be mediated through hernearin's antioxidant activity and ROS-scavenging capacity, though human data confirming this benefit do not yet exist.

### Is hernearin safe to take with blood thinners like warfarin?

Hernearin belongs to the coumarin chemical class, and several coumarins are known to have anticoagulant properties that can potentiate the effects of warfarin and similar anticoagulant medications, increasing the risk of bleeding. Specific pharmacokinetic interaction data for hernearin and warfarin are not available, so individuals on anticoagulant therapy should consult their physician before using hernearin or chamomile-derived supplements.

### What anti-inflammatory effects does hernearin have?

Hernearin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in standardized experimental models, with mechanisms believed to involve inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which reduces downstream production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. All available evidence is preclinical, and effective anti-inflammatory doses in humans have not been determined through controlled clinical studies.

### What does current clinical research show about hernearin's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for hernearin comes from preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models, particularly regarding pancreatic cancer cell lines and cisplatin-induced DNA damage protection. Currently, there are no published human clinical trials evaluating hernearin's safety or efficacy in supplement form, meaning its real-world benefits in people remain unproven. The anticancer IC50 values and neuroprotective effects observed in laboratory settings have not been validated in human studies, so supplementation decisions should account for this evidence gap.

### Are there dietary sources of hernearin, or is it only available as a supplement?

Hernearin is found naturally in plants such as Distictis buccinatoria and related species, but concentrations in whole plant material are typically low and inconsistent. While hernearin can theoretically be obtained from plant sources containing the compound, supplement extracts and standardized fractions provide more reliable and measurable doses. Obtaining therapeutic levels of hernearin from food sources alone would be impractical without consuming very large quantities of the plant material.

### Who should avoid hernearin supplementation, and are there specific populations at higher risk?

Hernearin should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women due to lack of safety data in these populations, and by individuals taking anticoagulant medications (like warfarin) without medical supervision given potential interaction concerns. People with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should consult their healthcare provider before use. Since human safety studies are absent, individuals with liver or kidney disease and those on multiple medications warrant extra caution and professional medical guidance before supplementation.

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