# Sakuranetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sakuranetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** (S)-7-O-Methylnaringenin, 7-Methylnaringenin, Sakuranin, Cherry flavanone, Rice phytoalexin, 7-Methoxy-5,4'-dihydroxyflavanone ## Overview Sakuranetin is a flavanone compound primarily found in cherry fruits that exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antifungal properties. This flavonoid works by disrupting fungal cell wall synthesis and inhibiting microbial enzyme systems in preliminary laboratory studies. ## Health Benefits • Antifungal activity demonstrated in plant studies (preliminary evidence only) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties against plant pathogens (in vitro evidence) • Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects noted in cherry flavonoid contexts (preliminary evidence) • Possible antioxidative properties as part of flavonoid class (theoretical based on structure) • May interact with Helicobacter pylori adenosine receptor A3 (computational modeling only) ## Mechanism of Action Sakuranetin disrupts fungal cell wall synthesis by inhibiting chitin synthase and β-1,3-glucan synthase enzymes. The compound also interferes with microbial cytoplasmic membrane integrity and inhibits key metabolic enzymes in pathogenic organisms. Its [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals and chelate metal ions through its hydroxyl groups. ## Clinical Summary Current research on sakuranetin is limited to in vitro laboratory studies and plant pathology research. Studies have demonstrated antifungal efficacy against Candida species and plant pathogens like Botrytis cinerea at concentrations of 50-200 μg/mL. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic dosages or clinical benefits. Evidence for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects remains preliminary and derived from general flavonoid research rather than sakuranetin-specific studies. ## Nutritional Profile Sakuranetin is a pure flavonoid compound (specifically a flavanone/methoxyflavonoid), not a whole food, so it contains no macronutrients (0g protein, 0g fat, 0g carbohydrates), no dietary fiber, no vitamins, and no minerals in isolation. Molecular formula: C16H14O5, molecular weight: 286.28 g/mol. It is the 7-O-methyl ether derivative of naringenin, distinguished by a methoxy group at the 7-position and a hydroxyl group at the 4'-position of the B-ring. Found naturally in black cherry (Prunus serotina), rice (Oryza sativa) as a phytoalexin, and Baccharis species at trace concentrations typically in the microgram-per-gram range in plant tissue (approximately 0.1–50 µg/g dry weight depending on species and stress conditions). As a lipophilic flavanone due to its methyl ether group, bioavailability is theoretically higher than its parent compound naringenin in terms of membrane permeability, though intestinal absorption data in humans is essentially absent. It is not metabolically classified as a nutrient; its relevance is pharmacological rather than nutritional. No established dietary reference intake, no caloric contribution, and no known essential physiological role in human nutrition has been documented. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. Sakuranetin remains an experimental compound without established dosing protocols. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for sakuranetin supplementation in humans is not available due to lack of clinical studies. As a flavonoid compound, it may theoretically interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, though specific interactions have not been documented. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with known allergies to cherry products or flavonoids should exercise caution. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on sakuranetin. Current research is limited to in vitro and plant-based studies focusing on its antifungal activity as a phytoalexin, with no PubMed PMIDs available for human trials. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are documented for sakuranetin. It is primarily recognized as a plant defense compound rather than a traditional remedy for human use. ## Synergistic Combinations Other flavonoids, quercetin, naringenin, hesperidin, rutin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain sakuranetin naturally? Sakuranetin is primarily found in sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour cherries (Prunus cerasus). It has also been identified in smaller amounts in rice bran and certain citrus peels, though cherries remain the richest dietary source. ### How much sakuranetin is in cherries? Fresh sweet cherries contain approximately 0.5-2.5 mg of sakuranetin per 100g of fruit. The concentration varies significantly based on cherry variety, ripeness, and growing conditions, with darker varieties typically containing higher levels. ### Can sakuranetin supplements treat fungal infections? While laboratory studies show sakuranetin has antifungal properties against various fungi at 50-200 μg/mL concentrations, no human trials exist. Current evidence is insufficient to support its use as a treatment for human fungal infections. ### Is sakuranetin the same as other cherry flavonoids? Sakuranetin is distinct from other cherry flavonoids like anthocyanins and quercetin. It belongs to the flavanone subclass and has a unique chemical structure with specific antimicrobial properties not shared by other cherry compounds. ### What is the recommended dosage for sakuranetin? No established dosage recommendations exist for sakuranetin due to the absence of human clinical trials. Laboratory studies used concentrations of 50-200 μg/mL, but these cannot be directly translated to human supplementation dosages without safety studies. ### What does current research show about sakuranetin's effectiveness in humans? Most sakuranetin research to date has been conducted in laboratory and plant pathogen studies, with very limited human clinical trials. Current evidence is preliminary and primarily demonstrates antifungal and antimicrobial activity in test-tube and animal models, not yet confirmed in human subjects. More rigorous clinical research is needed before strong efficacy claims can be made for supplemental use. ### Does sakuranetin interact with common medications? Limited research exists on sakuranetin's specific drug interactions in humans. As a flavonoid compound, it may theoretically affect cytochrome P450 metabolism like other plant polyphenols, but no documented interactions with specific medications have been established. Individuals taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding sakuranetin supplements to their regimen. ### Is sakuranetin safe for pregnant women or children? There is insufficient safety data on sakuranetin supplementation during pregnancy or childhood to make evidence-based recommendations. While sakuranetin occurs naturally in foods like cherries, concentrated supplement forms have not been studied in these populations. Pregnant women and parents considering sakuranetin for children should seek guidance from a 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*