# Prunetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/prunetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone, 4'-O-methylgenistein, Genistein 4'-methyl ether, Prunetol, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one, Biochanin B ## Overview Prunetin is an isoflavone compound primarily found in red clover and kudzu that demonstrates anticancer properties through multiple cellular pathways. Research shows it may inhibit gastric and bladder cancer cell growth while suppressing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses via NF-κB pathway modulation. ## Health Benefits • May inhibit gastric cancer cell growth through necroptosis mechanisms (preliminary evidence from in vitro studies only; PMID: 32708333) • Shows potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via NF-κB suppression (preclinical evidence; PMID: 23597450) • May induce cancer cell death in urinary bladder cancer through iNOS inhibition (in vitro evidence only; PMID: 34599704) • Demonstrates [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through modulation of oxidative stress pathways (preclinical reviews; PMID: 40029540) • Shows favorable safety profile with low cytotoxicity in normal cells (in vitro ADMET analysis; PMC7408406) ## Mechanism of Action Prunetin exerts its anticancer effects through induction of necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, particularly in gastric cancer cells. The compound suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. Additionally, prunetin may modulate estrogen receptor activity due to its isoflavone structure, though specific receptor binding affinities require further characterization. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for prunetin is limited to preclinical in vitro studies examining its effects on cancer cell lines. Research has demonstrated growth inhibition in gastric cancer cells through necroptosis mechanisms, with one study (PMID: 32708333) showing significant cell death induction. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been observed in laboratory models through NF-κB suppression (PMID: 23597450). No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy, safety profiles, or optimal dosing regimens in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Prunetin (4'-methoxy-5-hydroxyflavone; C₁₆H₁₂O₅; MW 284.26 g/mol) is an O-methylated isoflavone, not a food or macronutrient source. It is a bioactive phytochemical found in trace amounts in certain plant tissues. Key details: • Classification: Isoflavone (subclass of flavonoids); structurally the 4'-methyl ether of genistein. • Natural sources: Found in small concentrations in prunus species (e.g., cherry, plum), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), wild indigo (Baptisia australis), and some leguminous plants. Concentrations in natural sources are typically very low (micrograms per gram of dry plant material; exact amounts vary by species and tissue). • Bioactive compound profile: Functions primarily as a phytoestrogen with weak estrogenic activity due to structural similarity to 17β-estradiol; also exhibits [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity via phenolic hydroxyl group at C-5 position (the 4'-methoxy group modestly reduces radical scavenging potency compared to unmethylated analogs like genistein). • Bioavailability notes: Like most isoflavones, prunetin is expected to have limited oral bioavailability due to extensive phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation and sulfation) in the intestinal wall and liver. Gut microbiota may further metabolize prunetin, potentially generating bioactive or inactive metabolites. The 4'-methoxy group may slightly alter metabolic fate compared to genistein. Lipophilicity (LogP ~2.3) suggests moderate membrane permeability. No established dietary reference intake, recommended daily allowance, or tolerable upper intake level exists. • Macronutrients: Not applicable — prunetin is a single phytochemical compound, not a food, and contributes negligible calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber. • Vitamins and minerals: None inherent to the compound itself. • Solubility: Poorly water-soluble; soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and other organic solvents, which impacts formulation and bioavailability in experimental and potential therapeutic contexts. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages exist due to lack of human trials. In vitro studies used concentrations of 10-100 μM (20, 40, 80 μM for 24-72 hours). No data on extract, powder, or standardized forms for human consumption. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for prunetin supplementation in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical trials. As an isoflavone compound, prunetin may theoretically interact with hormone-sensitive conditions or medications affecting estrogen [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications cannot be ruled out, as some isoflavones affect blood clotting. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid prunetin supplements due to insufficient safety data and potential hormonal effects. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on prunetin. All evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro studies on cancer cell lines, including AGS gastric cancer cells showing dose-dependent growth inhibition at 20-80 μM (PMID: 32708333, PMC7408406), and transcriptomic analyses revealing 1,118 differentially expressed genes (PMID: 35831348). ## Historical & Cultural Context No specific traditional uses for isolated prunetin were identified. The compound occurs in plants used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and women's health purposes, but these uses are attributed to whole plants rather than prunetin specifically (PMID: 36098409). ## Synergistic Combinations Genistein, Daidzein, Resveratrol, Quercetin, EGCG ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain prunetin naturally? Prunetin is found primarily in red clover (Trifolium pratense) and kudzu root (Pueraria lobata). Smaller amounts may be present in other leguminous plants and soy products, though concentrations vary significantly based on growing conditions and processing methods. ### How does prunetin work against cancer cells? Prunetin induces necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in gastric cancer cells through specific molecular pathways. It also suppresses the NF-κB inflammatory pathway, which cancer cells often use for survival and proliferation. ### Is prunetin the same as other isoflavones like genistein? Prunetin is structurally similar to other isoflavones like genistein and daidzein but has distinct molecular properties. While all isoflavones share some estrogenic activity, prunetin appears to have unique anticancer mechanisms not observed with other isoflavone compounds. ### What is the recommended dosage of prunetin? No standardized dosage recommendations exist for prunetin as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Current research is limited to laboratory studies using varying concentrations on isolated cell cultures. ### Can prunetin supplements interact with cancer medications? Potential interactions between prunetin and cancer medications are unknown due to lack of clinical data. Given its effects on cellular pathways and potential hormonal activity, patients undergoing cancer treatment should consult oncologists before considering prunetin supplementation. ### What does the current research evidence say about prunetin's effectiveness in humans? Most prunetin research to date comes from laboratory (in vitro) and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials available. Current evidence suggests potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but these findings require human studies to confirm efficacy and safety. Consumers should be aware that preliminary results in cell cultures do not automatically translate to the same effects in the human body. ### Is prunetin safe for people taking blood thinners or anticoagulant medications? While direct drug interaction studies with prunetin and anticoagulants are limited, isoflavones like prunetin may have mild blood-thinning properties based on their biological activity. Anyone taking warfarin, apixaban, or other blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before adding prunetin supplements to avoid potential additive effects. Individual risk depends on dosage and personal medical history. ### Why is prunetin difficult to find as a standalone supplement compared to other isoflavones? Prunetin is less commercially available than genistein or daidzein because it occurs in lower concentrations in most dietary sources and has received less research funding for product development. Most prunetin intake comes incidentally through consuming prunes, soy, and legumes rather than through dedicated supplements. The limited market demand reflects the preliminary nature of prunetin research and preference for better-studied isoflavone alternatives. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*