# Phellamurin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/phellamurin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-01 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** prenylated dihydroflavonol from Phellodendron, Phellodendron flavonoid, dihydroflavonol glycoside ## Overview Phellamurin is a flavanone glycoside naturally occurring in Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree) bark, where it exists alongside berberine and other bioactive alkaloids. Its preliminary biological activity appears driven by its flavanone aglycone structure, which may modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling cascades in cell-based models. ## Health Benefits • Potential [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (evidence: preliminary in vitro studies only) • Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (evidence: preliminary in vitro studies only) • Potential [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties (evidence: preliminary in vitro studies only) • Possible anti-tumor activity (evidence: preliminary in vitro studies only) • No human clinical evidence exists for any health benefits ## Mechanism of Action Phellamurin's flavanone glycoside backbone is believed to scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) by donating hydrogen atoms to free radicals, potentially inhibiting lipid peroxidation cascades. In vitro data suggest it may suppress pro-inflammatory mediators by downregulating NF-κB signaling and reducing COX-2 expression, thereby limiting [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 production. Its putative anti-tumor activity in cell lines has been loosely associated with induction of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways, though the specific receptor targets and enzymatic interactions remain uncharacterized in peer-reviewed literature. ## Clinical Summary All available evidence for phellamurin is derived exclusively from in vitro (cell-based) studies; no human clinical trials or peer-reviewed animal pharmacokinetic studies specifically isolating phellamurin have been published as of early 2025. Cell culture studies have demonstrated [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and cytotoxic effects at micromolar concentrations, but these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to human physiology due to unknown oral bioavailability and metabolic fate. The compound is frequently studied as part of Phellodendron amurense whole-extract research, making it difficult to attribute observed effects solely to phellamurin rather than co-occurring compounds like berberine or phellodendrine. The overall evidence base is extremely preliminary, and no efficacious dose or therapeutic endpoint has been established for humans. ## Nutritional Profile Phellamurin is a flavonoid glycoside (specifically a dihydroflavonol glycoside) isolated primarily from Phellodendron amurense (Amur cork tree) bark. It is not a macronutrient source and contains no meaningful protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber, or caloric value in supplemental or extract form. As a pure compound, it is characterized by its flavanone-glucoside molecular structure (molecular formula C27H32O14, molecular weight approximately 580.5 g/mol). Bioactive profile: Phellamurin belongs to the dihydroflavonol subclass of flavonoids, structurally related to taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) with a glycoside attachment; concentrations in Phellodendron bark extracts vary but phellamurin has been identified at trace-to-minor constituent levels (typically <1–2% of total extract by dry weight in reported phytochemical analyses). No vitamins, dietary minerals, or fiber are inherently associated with this isolated compound. Bioavailability: No human pharmacokinetic data exists; as a glycosylated flavonoid, intestinal absorption would likely require hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond by gut microbiota or intestinal glucosidases prior to uptake of the aglycone, a pattern common to flavonoid glycosides generally. Oral bioavailability is expected to be low and variable based on structural analogs, but no specific human or animal absorption data for phellamurin has been published as of available literature. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human clinical trials have been conducted. No standardized forms or recommended doses exist. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal human safety studies, toxicology profiles, or established tolerable upper intake levels exist specifically for isolated phellamurin. Because phellamurin is derived from Phellodendron amurense, caution is warranted when combining it with berberine-containing supplements or medications, as additive effects on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity (particularly CYP3A4 inhibition) are theoretically possible. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid phellamurin supplementation due to a complete absence of reproductive safety data, and the parent plant has historically been contraindicated in pregnancy in traditional medicine contexts. Individuals taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or antidiabetic medications should consult a healthcare provider before use given the uncharacterized interaction profile. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on phellamurin. All available research is limited to in vitro or preclinical studies suggesting potential bioactivities. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for phellamurin specifically. The compound is primarily noted as a phytochemical constituent of Phellodendron species without reference to traditional medicine systems. ## Synergistic Combinations Other flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, berberine, Phellodendron bark extract ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What plant does phellamurin come from? Phellamurin is isolated from the bark of Phellodendron amurense, commonly called the Amur cork tree, a species used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. The bark also contains well-studied alkaloids including berberine, palmatine, and phellodendrine, which are present alongside phellamurin in whole-extract preparations. ### Is phellamurin the same as berberine? No, phellamurin and berberine are chemically distinct compounds from the same plant source. Phellamurin is a flavanone glycoside, while berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid; they have different molecular structures, proposed mechanisms, and significantly different evidence bases, with berberine having hundreds of human clinical trials compared to phellamurin's strictly in vitro data. ### What is the evidence for phellamurin's anti-inflammatory effects? Evidence for phellamurin's anti-inflammatory effects is limited to preliminary in vitro cell culture experiments that suggest inhibition of NF-κB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. No animal studies or human trials have been conducted to confirm these effects translate beyond a controlled laboratory dish environment, so clinical relevance remains entirely unknown. ### Can phellamurin fight cancer? Some in vitro studies have observed cytotoxic effects of phellamurin against cancer cell lines, loosely attributed to caspase-mediated apoptosis induction, but this does not constitute evidence that phellamurin treats or prevents cancer in humans. The gap between cell-line cytotoxicity and clinically meaningful anti-tumor activity is vast, requiring animal studies, pharmacokinetic data, and eventually controlled human trials that do not currently exist for this compound. ### Are there any phellamurin supplements available, and what dose is recommended? Isolated phellamurin supplements are not widely commercially available, and the compound is more commonly encountered as a minor constituent in Phellodendron amurense bark extracts. No evidence-based recommended dose exists for phellamurin because no human pharmacokinetic, dose-ranging, or efficacy studies have been published, making any dosage figure currently speculative. ### What is the current state of clinical research evidence for phellamurin in humans? Currently, there are no human clinical trials or studies demonstrating health benefits of phellamurin in people. All existing evidence comes from preliminary in vitro (laboratory) studies conducted on isolated cells, which cannot be reliably translated to human health outcomes. Before phellamurin can be recommended for therapeutic use, rigorous human clinical trials would need to be conducted to establish safety and efficacy. ### How does phellamurin's bioavailability compare to other plant-derived alkaloids? Phellamurin's bioavailability in humans has not been studied, so direct comparisons with other alkaloids cannot be made. Limited data exists even on how well phellamurin is absorbed or metabolized in the body. Without human pharmacokinetic studies, it is unknown whether supplemental phellamurin would reach therapeutic concentrations in target tissues. ### Who should avoid phellamurin, and are there populations at higher risk for adverse effects? Because no human safety data exists for phellamurin, it is not known which populations might be at risk for adverse effects, including pregnant women, children, individuals with liver or kidney disease, or those taking medications. Until clinical safety studies are completed, healthcare providers cannot recommend phellamurin for any specific population. Anyone considering phellamurin supplementation should consult with their healthcare provider first. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*