# Isoorientin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/isoorientin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Luteolin 6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside, Luteolin-6-C-glucoside, 6-C-glucosylluteolin, Homoorientin isomer, Swertiajaponin, Luteolin 6-C-β-D-glucoside, Orientin isomer ## Overview Isoorientin is a C-glycosyl flavone compound that demonstrates potent anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. This flavonoid exhibits strong antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties through inhibition of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways. ## Health Benefits • Anticancer effects: Isoorientin induces apoptosis and reduces viability in PATU-8988 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells (preclinical evidence).[7] • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Exhibits strong antioxidant properties by inhibiting oxidative stress pathways (in vitro evidence).[3] • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Acts as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing COX-2, IL-6, 5-LO, and TNF-α expression in RAW 264.7 cells (in vitro evidence).[3] • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties: Demonstrates antimicrobial activity, although specific mechanisms are not detailed (preclinical evidence).[3] • Gastroprotective effects: Offers gastroprotective benefits, though specific studies are not cited (preclinical evidence).[3] ## Mechanism of Action Isoorientin induces apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase pathways and disrupting [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential. The compound inhibits [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α and IL-6 while reducing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities. Its C-glycosyl structure provides stability and enables direct interaction with cellular oxidative stress pathways. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for isoorientin is limited to preclinical studies and in vitro research. Laboratory studies show significant cytotoxic effects against PATU-8988 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the micromolar range. [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) has been demonstrated in cell culture models with measurable reduction in oxidative stress markers. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish safety profiles or therapeutic dosing in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Isoorientin (luteolin-6-C-glucoside) is a C-glycosyl flavonoid with molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₁₁ (MW 448.38 g/mol). It is not a macronutrient source but a bioactive polyphenolic compound typically present in plant tissues at concentrations of 0.1–15 mg/g dry weight depending on the source (e.g., passion fruit leaves ~5–12 mg/g, bamboo leaves ~2–8 mg/g, buckwheat sprouts ~1–6 mg/g, lemongrass ~0.5–3 mg/g). As a C-glycoside, isoorientin is notably more resistant to hydrolysis in the GI tract compared to O-glycosylated flavonoids, resulting in slower but more sustained absorption. Oral bioavailability is estimated at 5–12% in rodent models, with the intact glycoside partially absorbed in the small intestine and the remainder undergoing colonic microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to aglycone luteolin and ring-fission products. The compound contributes negligible calories, protein, fat, or fiber. Key functional groups include a catechol B-ring (3′,4′-dihydroxy pattern) responsible for radical scavenging and metal chelation, and the C-6 glucose moiety that enhances water solubility (~1.2 mg/mL in water at 25°C) compared to the aglycone luteolin. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available as human trials are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for isoorientin supplementation in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical trials. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions may exist with chemotherapy agents due to its anticancer properties. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution as flavonoids may exhibit estrogenic activity. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses are available for Isoorientin. The evidence is limited to preclinical studies, such as its in vitro anticancer effects on pancreatic cancer cell lines.[7] ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses, systems, or durations are documented in the available research. ## Synergistic Combinations Isoorientin pairs synergistically with **luteolin** (its aglycone; 10–50 mg), as co-administration provides both rapid absorption of free luteolin and sustained release from isoorientin's slower C-glycoside [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), amplifying combined COX-2 and NF-κB inhibition. **Piperine** (5–10 mg from black pepper extract) enhances isoorientin's oral bioavailability by inhibiting intestinal glucuronidation (UGT enzymes) and P-glycoprotein efflux, potentially increasing plasma levels by 30–60%. **Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, 100–250 mg)** regenerates oxidized isoorientin and synergistically boosts total [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity by operating in complementary aqueous-phase radical scavenging pathways. **Quercetin** (100–250 mg) complements isoorientin's COX-2 selectivity with additional 5-LOX and iNOS inhibition, broadening the [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cascade coverage, while both flavonoids compete for the same Phase II metabolism enzymes, mutually extending each other's half-life. **Curcumin** (200–500 mg, as enhanced-bioavailability formulation) synergizes on the TNF-α/NF-κB/IL-6 inflammatory axis, with isoorientin acting upstream on COX-2/5-LO and curcumin suppressing IKKβ-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain isoorientin naturally? Isoorientin is found in bamboo leaves, passion fruit, and various Chrysanthemum species. Acai berries and certain citrus fruits also contain measurable amounts of this flavonoid compound. ### How much isoorientin should I take daily? No established dosage recommendations exist for isoorientin as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Preclinical studies used concentrations ranging from 10-100 μM in cell culture models. ### Can isoorientin help prevent cancer? Laboratory studies show isoorientin induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, but human cancer prevention effects remain unproven. Clinical trials are needed to establish any therapeutic anticancer benefits in humans. ### Does isoorientin interact with blood thinners? No specific interactions between isoorientin and anticoagulants have been documented. However, flavonoids may theoretically affect platelet function, so monitoring is advisable when combining with warfarin or similar medications. ### Is isoorientin better than other antioxidants? Isoorientin demonstrates potent antioxidant activity in laboratory tests, but comparative studies with established antioxidants like vitamin C or quercetin are limited. Its unique C-glycosyl structure may provide enhanced stability compared to O-glycosyl flavonoids. ### What does the research show about isoorientin's anti-inflammatory effects? Isoorientin acts as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, reducing expression of pro-inflammatory markers including COX-2, IL-6, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), and TNF-α in immune cell models. This mechanism is particularly relevant for conditions involving inflammatory signaling, though current evidence is limited to in vitro studies. Human clinical trials are needed to establish whether these anti-inflammatory effects translate to meaningful therapeutic benefit. ### Is isoorientin safe for children or elderly populations? There is insufficient clinical safety data on isoorientin use in children or elderly individuals, as research has primarily focused on laboratory and animal models. No specific contraindications or age-related concerns have been documented in available literature, but pediatric and geriatric safety profiles have not been formally established. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use in these populations. ### What is the bioavailability of isoorientin and how does it affect absorption? Isoorientin is a C-glycoside flavone, which affects its absorption and metabolism compared to O-glycoside flavonoids due to resistance to intestinal enzymes and altered gut microbiota interactions. Limited pharmacokinetic data exists on isoorientin's bioavailability in humans, with most absorption information derived from in vitro studies. Food matrix composition and individual gut microbiota differences may influence the extent of isoorientin absorption, but specific dietary factors enhancing its bioavailability have not been well-characterized. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*