# Maclurin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/maclurin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone, pentahydroxyflavone, mulberry flavonoid, mangosteen phenolic compound, Morus alba flavonoid, Garcinia mangostana phenolic

## Overview

Maclurin is a C-glucosylated dihydrochalcone flavonoid found in mulberry wood, jackfruit, and gamboge that exerts [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects primarily by inhibiting caspase-11-mediated non-canonical inflammasome activation. Its anticancer activity involves suppression of cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in prostate, lung, and osteosarcoma cancer cell lines through modulation of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce inflammation by inhibiting caspase-11 inflammasome, as shown in a mouse study (PMID: 38330799).
• Demonstrates anti-cancer activity in vitro in prostate, lung, and osteosarcoma cell lines, though without human trials (PMIDs: 30340816, 25630491, 34003554).
• Reduces [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as IL-1β and IL-18 in animal models (PMID: 38330799).
• Promotes melanogenesis by upregulating melanogenic enzymes in cells (no human studies).
• Exhibits prooxidant activity in cancer cells, which could contribute to its anti-cancer effects, as observed in vitro.

## Mechanism of Action

Maclurin inhibits the non-canonical NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by blocking caspase-11 activation, thereby reducing gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and downstream release of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including IL-1β and IL-18. In cancer cell lines, maclurin modulates [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) generation, promotes [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy)-mediated apoptosis, and suppresses NF-κB signaling to reduce tumor cell survival. It also inhibits inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and iNOS, contributing to its broader anti-inflammatory profile observed in preclinical models.

## Clinical Summary

Maclurin's evidence base is entirely preclinical, comprising in vitro cell studies and at least one in vivo mouse model (PMID: 38330799), with no human clinical trials published to date. The mouse study demonstrated measurable reduction of caspase-11-dependent [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), while separate in vitro studies in prostate (LNCaP, PC-3), lung, and osteosarcoma cell lines showed dose-dependent antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects (PMIDs: 30340816, 25630491, 34003554). Quantified outcomes in cell studies include significant reductions in cell viability at micromolar concentrations, though precise IC50 values and in vivo pharmacokinetic data remain incompletely characterized. The current evidence is insufficient to support clinical recommendations, and human bioavailability, effective dosing, and long-term safety have not been established.

## Nutritional Profile

Maclurin (3,4,2',4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound (benzophenone class) isolated primarily from Maclura pomifera (Osage orange), Garcinia species, and mulberry heartwood. It is not a macronutrient or micronutrient itself but a secondary plant metabolite with a molecular weight of 246.22 g/mol. As a pure bioactive compound, it contains no protein, fat, fiber, or caloric value in isolation. Its key structural feature is four hydroxyl groups on two aromatic rings, conferring potent radical-scavenging capacity (DPPH IC50 values reported in the low micromolar range, approximately 10–50 µM depending on assay conditions). Bioavailability data in humans is largely absent; however, its polyphenolic structure suggests moderate intestinal absorption with likely phase II conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation) in hepatic and intestinal [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), similar to other small benzophenone polyphenols. Oral bioavailability is expected to be limited by first-pass metabolism, as is typical for this compound class. No established dietary reference intake or therapeutic dosage has been defined for humans.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for maclurin, as all evidence is preclinical. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No human safety data, clinical adverse event profiles, or established tolerable upper intake levels exist for maclurin, as it has not been studied in human trials. Because maclurin modulates NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, theoretical interactions with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or anticoagulants such as warfarin cannot be ruled out and warrant caution. Pregnancy and lactation safety is entirely unknown, and use should be avoided in these populations until evidence is available. Individuals on immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy agents should consult a healthcare provider before using any maclurin-containing supplement, given its observed effects on apoptotic and [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been conducted on maclurin. All current evidence comes from preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies (PMIDs: 38330799, 30340816, 25630491, 34003554).

## Historical & Cultural Context

There are no specific historical or traditional uses detailed for maclurin itself. However, plants like Morus alba and Garcinia mangostana, from which it is derived, have been used in traditional medicine, suggesting potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Maclurin pairs well with Quercetin, as both inhibit overlapping pro-[inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (NF-κB and NLRP3/caspase-11 inflammasome suppression), producing additive anti-inflammatory effects while quercetin's inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux transporters may modestly enhance maclurin's cellular retention. Pipeine (from black pepper) is a logical co-ingredient given its well-documented inhibition of CYP3A4 and glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), which could reduce maclurin's phase II conjugation and increase its systemic bioavailability, a mechanism validated for structurally similar polyphenols like curcumin. Additionally, Resveratrol complements maclurin's anti-cancer activity in prostate and lung cell lines through complementary mechanisms — maclurin acts via caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways while resveratrol modulates SIRT1/p53 and PI3K/Akt signaling — creating multi-target coverage without known antagonistic interactions at physiologically relevant concentrations.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is maclurin and what foods contain it?

Maclurin is a C-glucosylated dihydrochalcone flavonoid naturally occurring in mulberry heartwood (Maclura pomifera), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), and gamboge resin. It belongs to the broader flavonoid class and shares structural features with other dihydrochalcones such as phlorizin found in apples, though dietary intake levels from food sources have not been well quantified in the literature.

### Can maclurin help reduce inflammation?

A 2024 mouse study (PMID: 38330799) found that maclurin reduced inflammation by specifically inhibiting caspase-11, a key enzyme in the non-canonical inflammasome pathway that triggers pyroptotic cell death and cytokine release. This mechanism is distinct from standard anti-inflammatory drugs and suggests a targeted molecular action, but these findings have not been replicated in human subjects, so clinical applicability remains unconfirmed.

### Does maclurin have anti-cancer properties?

In vitro studies demonstrate that maclurin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer (LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines), lung cancer cells, and osteosarcoma cells at micromolar concentrations (PMIDs: 30340816, 25630491, 34003554). The proposed mechanisms include ROS modulation, NF-κB suppression, and activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways, but no animal tumor models or human oncology trials have been conducted, making it premature to consider maclurin a cancer treatment.

### What is the recommended dosage of maclurin supplements?

No clinically established or evidence-based dosage for maclurin exists because human pharmacokinetic and dose-ranging studies have never been conducted. In vitro anticancer effects were observed at micromolar concentrations in cell culture systems, which do not directly translate to oral dosing in humans due to unknown bioavailability and first-pass metabolism. Any dosage listed on commercial supplements is not backed by clinical trial data.

### Is maclurin safe to take with medications?

Because maclurin inhibits COX-2, NF-κB, and caspase-11 pathways, it may theoretically potentiate or interfere with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, blood thinners like warfarin, or immunosuppressants, though no formal drug interaction studies have been performed in humans or animals. Individuals taking chemotherapy agents or anti-inflammatory drugs should consult a physician before use. The absence of human safety data means that risk of toxicity, hepatotoxicity, or pharmacokinetic interactions cannot currently be assessed.

### What does the research quality say about maclurin's effectiveness in humans?

Most maclurin research consists of in vitro cell studies and animal models, with no published human clinical trials to date. While mouse studies show promise for anti-inflammatory effects through caspase-11 inflammasome inhibition, findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human efficacy or dosing. The evidence base remains preliminary and would require well-designed human studies to establish clinical benefit.

### Is maclurin safe for children or pregnant women?

There are no safety studies on maclurin supplementation in children or during pregnancy, making it impossible to recommend for these populations. Given the lack of human data and potential effects on inflammatory pathways, pregnant women and children should avoid maclurin supplements unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Safety in these vulnerable groups remains entirely unstudied.

### How does maclurin compare to other natural anti-inflammatory compounds?

Maclurin is a polyphenol with mechanisms similar to other flavonoids, but direct comparative studies with established compounds like quercetin or curcumin are lacking. While maclurin shows caspase-11 inflammasome inhibition in mice, equivalent potency or superiority over well-studied alternatives has not been demonstrated in human research. Choosing maclurin over established ingredients would be premature given the limited evidence base.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*