# Pinocembrin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pinocembrin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 6 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one, dihydrochrysin, galangin flavanone, pine flavanone, propolis flavonoid ## Overview Pinocembrin is a dihydroflavonone compound found in honey, propolis, and certain plants that exhibits [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms. It modulates apoptotic pathways by inhibiting p53 expression and regulating Bax-Bcl-2 ratios in preclinical studies. ## Health Benefits • [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s demonstrated in preclinical models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (animal studies only) • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) shown in laboratory studies (in vitro evidence) • Anti-apoptotic effects via p53 inhibition and Bax-Bcl-2 ratio modulation (preclinical data) • Potential anti-cancer properties including apoptosis induction and cell migration inhibition (in vitro studies) • Vasodilatory effects observed in laboratory models (preclinical evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Pinocembrin exerts [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and reducing oxidative stress in neural tissues. It inhibits p53-mediated apoptosis while modulating the Bax-Bcl-2 protein ratio to prevent programmed cell death. The compound also demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for pinocembrin comes primarily from in vitro laboratory studies and animal models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Preclinical studies have shown [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in rodent stroke models, but no human clinical trials have been conducted. The [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) has been demonstrated in cell culture studies using various oxidative stress markers. Evidence remains limited to preliminary research without human validation of therapeutic benefits. ## Nutritional Profile Pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone) is a flavanone with molecular weight ~256.25 g/mol, not a nutritional food source but a bioactive polyphenolic compound. Found naturally in propolis (concentrations ~10-30 mg/g of propolis extract), honey (trace amounts, ~0.5-5 mg/kg), ginger rhizomes, and various plant resins. As a flavanone, it contains two hydroxyl groups at positions 5 and 7 on the A-ring, responsible for its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity (ORAC values comparable to other dihydroxylated flavonoids). Bioavailability is relatively low due to rapid Phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation in the gut and liver); oral bioavailability estimated at ~3-5% in rodent models. Lipophilic character (LogP ~2.6) allows moderate membrane permeability and notable blood-brain barrier penetration, which underlies its [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) research interest. No significant macronutrient, vitamin, or mineral content as it is consumed as an isolated compound or within propolis extracts, typically dosed at 10-100 mg in supplement form. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details are available as no human trials have been conducted. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for pinocembrin supplementation in humans is extremely limited due to lack of clinical trials. No specific drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical interactions with anticoagulant medications may exist given its presence in propolis. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid pinocembrin supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with bee product allergies should exercise caution as pinocembrin is naturally found in honey and propolis. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses have been conducted on pinocembrin according to available research. All current evidence is limited to preclinical studies using in vitro and animal models, particularly focused on neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia and glutamate injury models. ## Historical & Cultural Context While pinocembrin is found in plants like damiana (Turnera diffusa) and yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) that have ethnobotanical associations, no specific traditional medicine uses or historical context for pinocembrin itself are documented in the research. The compound has general chemopreventive associations but lacks explicit traditional claims. ## Synergistic Combinations Pinocembrin pairs well with **Chrysin** (another propolis flavonoid, 50-200 mg) as both share the flavanone/flavone backbone and co-occur in propolis; chrysin enhances [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling via complementary NF-κB suppression while pinocembrin targets Nrf2/ARE [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways. **Piperine** (5-20 mg, from black pepper) significantly improves pinocembrin's oral bioavailability by inhibiting CYP450 enzymes and intestinal glucuronidation, potentially boosting plasma levels 2-3 fold. **Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)** (25-100 mg, also from propolis) synergizes by amplifying anti-apoptotic effects—CAPE targets NF-κB while pinocembrin modulates p53/Bax-Bcl-2, providing multi-pathway neuroprotection. **Curcumin** (200-500 mg, standardized extract) complements pinocembrin's antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory activity through shared modulation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt survival pathways, and both compounds benefit from co-administration with piperine for enhanced absorption. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain pinocembrin naturally? Pinocembrin is naturally found in honey, bee propolis, and certain plants including fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda) and some Eucalyptus species. Honey and propolis represent the most concentrated natural sources of this flavonoid compound. ### How much pinocembrin should I take daily? No established dosage recommendations exist for pinocembrin supplements as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Preclinical studies have used doses ranging from 5-50 mg/kg in animal models, but this cannot be directly translated to human dosing. ### Can pinocembrin help with stroke recovery? Pinocembrin has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of stroke and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, no human clinical trials have validated these benefits for stroke recovery, so evidence remains limited to preclinical research. ### Is pinocembrin the same as other flavonoids? Pinocembrin is a specific dihydroflavonone that differs structurally from other flavonoids like quercetin or catechins. While it shares general antioxidant properties with other flavonoids, pinocembrin has unique molecular characteristics and specific p53 inhibition mechanisms. ### Are there any side effects of pinocembrin supplements? No specific side effects have been documented for pinocembrin supplements in humans due to lack of clinical studies. Potential allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to bee products, since pinocembrin is naturally present in honey and propolis. ### What does clinical research show about pinocembrin's effectiveness in humans? Most evidence for pinocembrin comes from laboratory and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials to date. While preclinical research demonstrates neuroprotective and antioxidant properties in cell and rodent models, these findings have not yet been reliably translated to proven human benefits. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to establish safety and efficacy in human populations before definitive health claims can be made. ### Does pinocembrin interact with common medications? There is insufficient clinical data to establish specific drug interactions with pinocembrin in humans. As a flavonoid compound, it may theoretically interact with medications metabolized through cytochrome P450 enzymes or anticoagulants, though these interactions have not been formally studied. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding pinocembrin supplements to ensure safety. ### Is pinocembrin safe for pregnancy and nursing? There are no adequate safety studies on pinocembrin use during pregnancy or lactation, so it is generally not recommended during these periods. The lack of human clinical data means potential risks to fetal development or infant health cannot be ruled out. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid pinocembrin supplements unless explicitly advised by their healthcare provider. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*