# Rhamnazin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rhamnazin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3',7-dimethylquercetin, 7,3'-di-O-methylquercetin, Quercetin 3',7-dimethyl ether, 3'-Methoxy-7-methoxyquercetin, Rhamnazin flavonol ## Overview Rhamnazin is a naturally occurring flavonol glycoside found in plants such as Rhamnus species and sea buckthorn, structurally characterized by a 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxyflavone backbone. It demonstrates bioactivity primarily through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing, inhibition of viral proteases, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cell lines in preclinical models. ## Health Benefits • May exhibit cytotoxic activity against cancer cells (preclinical evidence only, IC50 14.6-15.3 μM against KB cell line) • Potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects (in vitro studies only) • May inhibit HCV protease (preliminary laboratory evidence) • Shows [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity (MIC 12.5-150 μg/mL in vitro) • Possible [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties based on flavonoid structure (theoretical, no direct evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Rhamnazin exerts antioxidant effects by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via its catechol-like hydroxyl groups on the A and B rings of its flavone scaffold. Its cytotoxic activity against KB (HeLa derivative) cells is thought to involve disruption of the cell cycle and induction of apoptotic pathways, potentially through modulation of caspase activation, with an IC50 of approximately 14.6–15.3 μM. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus NS3/4A serine protease has been observed in cell-free assays, suggesting competitive or allosteric binding at the protease active site. ## Clinical Summary All available evidence for rhamnazin is derived from in vitro cell-based and cell-free laboratory studies; no human clinical trials have been conducted to date. Cytotoxic activity was measured against the KB squamous carcinoma cell line with IC50 values of 14.6–15.3 μM, though translation to in vivo efficacy remains undemonstrated. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies report minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging widely from 12.5 to 150 μg/mL depending on the organism and assay conditions, which limits direct comparison across studies. HCV NS3 protease inhibition has been documented in enzymatic assays only, and no animal or human data exist to support clinical application for any of these endpoints. ## Nutritional Profile Rhamnazin (3',7-di-O-methylquercetin; chemical formula C₁₇H₁₄O₇; molecular weight 330.29 g/mol) is a naturally occurring O-methylated flavonol, not a nutritional food source. It is a bioactive secondary metabolite found in trace quantities in select plant species. Key details: • Classification: Flavonol (subclass of flavonoids), specifically a dimethyl ether derivative of quercetin with methoxy groups at the 7- and 3'-positions. • Natural occurrence: Found in small amounts in Rhamnus species (buckthorn), Calliandra houstoniana, Hypericum species, and certain other medicinal plants; concentrations are typically in the range of 0.001–0.1% of dry plant weight depending on species, tissue, and extraction conditions. • No macronutrient value: As a polyphenolic compound consumed only in trace phytochemical quantities, it contributes negligible calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, or fiber. • Bioactive compound profile: Contains the characteristic flavonoid C6-C3-C6 backbone with a 3-hydroxyflavone core; possesses a catechol-like B-ring (with one hydroxyl at 4' and one methoxy at 3'), a free 5-OH group on the A-ring (critical for metal chelation), and a 3-OH group on the C-ring. These structural features contribute to its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) radical-scavenging capacity, though the dual methylation reduces polarity relative to quercetin. • Bioavailability notes: Oral bioavailability is expected to be low, consistent with other methylated flavonols. The O-methylation at positions 7 and 3' modestly increases lipophilicity (LogP ~2.3–2.6) compared to quercetin (LogP ~1.5), which may slightly improve passive membrane permeation but also increases hepatic phase I/II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Likely undergoes extensive first-pass glucuronidation and sulfation in the intestinal epithelium and liver. No human pharmacokinetic data are available; absorption and metabolism estimates are extrapolated from structurally analogous methylated flavonols (e.g., isorhamnetin, tamarixetin). Plasma concentrations following dietary exposure are predicted to be in the low nanomolar range. • Micronutrients/vitamins/minerals: None intrinsic to the isolated compound. • Solubility: Poorly water-soluble; soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and methanol. This limits formulation options and may further constrain oral bioavailability without delivery system enhancement. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials exist. The compound is only available as a high-purity reference standard (>99% HPLC) for research purposes. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No human safety studies, toxicology trials, or established tolerable upper intake levels exist for isolated rhamnazin supplementation. As a flavonoid, it may theoretically inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4 and CYP1A2), which could alter plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs metabolized by these pathways, though this has not been confirmed for rhamnazin specifically. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid isolated rhamnazin supplements due to a complete absence of safety data in these populations. Individuals taking anticoagulants, [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s, or chemotherapy agents should consult a healthcare provider before use given uncharacterized interaction potential. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on rhamnazin. Research is limited to in vitro and preclinical studies, with the compound first documented in 2001 (PMID: 11594002) and noted as a potential biomarker in subsequent studies (PMIDs: 25704088, 27025066). ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for rhamnazin. The compound has been identified as a plant-derived flavonoid of research interest only since 2001, with no references to traditional medicine systems. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, other flavonols, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, rutin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is rhamnazin and where does it come from? Rhamnazin is a flavonol (a subclass of flavonoids) with the systematic structure 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one, found naturally in Rhamnus species, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and several other plants. It is typically extracted from plant material for laboratory research and is not yet widely available as a standardized dietary supplement. ### Does rhamnazin have anticancer properties? Preclinical in vitro studies show rhamnazin exhibits cytotoxic activity against the KB cell line (a HeLa-derived oral carcinoma model) with IC50 values of 14.6–15.3 μM, suggesting moderate potency in a laboratory setting. No animal tumor models or human oncology trials have been conducted, so whether these effects translate to meaningful anticancer activity in people is entirely unknown. ### Can rhamnazin inhibit hepatitis C virus? Laboratory evidence shows rhamnazin can inhibit the NS3/4A serine protease of hepatitis C virus in cell-free enzymatic assays, which is a validated drug target used by approved HCV therapies like simeprevir. However, this is preliminary biochemical data only — no cell culture antiviral efficacy studies or clinical trials in HCV-infected patients have been published, making it far too early to consider rhamnazin a treatment for HCV. ### What is the antimicrobial activity of rhamnazin? In vitro studies report minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for rhamnazin ranging from 12.5 to 150 μg/mL against various bacterial and fungal strains, with the wide range reflecting differences in tested organisms and assay methodologies. These MIC values are within the range observed for many natural flavonoids, but no in vivo or clinical antimicrobial data exist to determine whether rhamnazin could be useful as an anti-infective agent. ### Is rhamnazin safe to take as a supplement? There is currently no established safe dosage, no formal toxicology data, and no human clinical trial safety record for isolated rhamnazin. Like other methoxylated flavonols, it may interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A4 and CYP1A2, potentially affecting levels of medications including statins, anticoagulants, and antivirals. Until human safety studies are completed, use of rhamnazin as a supplement should be approached with caution and only under medical supervision. ### What is the current state of clinical research evidence for rhamnazin? Most evidence for rhamnazin comes from in vitro (test tube) and preclinical studies rather than human clinical trials. Current research shows promising laboratory results for anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities, but these findings have not yet been validated in rigorous human studies. More clinical research is needed before rhamnazin can be recommended as an evidence-based therapeutic agent. ### Which foods naturally contain rhamnazin? Rhamnazin is a flavonoid found in small amounts in sea buckthorn berries and certain plant sources, though food content levels are typically very low. Dietary intake of rhamnazin from whole foods is generally insufficient to produce the bioactive concentrations shown in laboratory studies. Supplement forms provide concentrated amounts that exceed what can realistically be obtained from food sources alone. ### Who should avoid rhamnazin supplementation? Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should exercise caution, as flavonoids may have mild blood-thinning properties. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid rhamnazin supplementation due to insufficient safety data in these populations. People with known allergies to sea buckthorn or related plants should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with rhamnazin. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*