# Salvigenin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/salvigenin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5,6,7-trimethoxyflavone, 5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, salvigenin flavonoid, trimethoxyflavone compound, salvigenin extract, flavonoid metabolite ## Overview Salvigenin is a naturally occurring O-methylated flavone found in plants such as Salvia officinalis and Artemisia species, characterized by a trimethoxylated flavone backbone. It exerts its primary effects through modulation of [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) pathways, apoptotic signaling cascades, and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) enzymes in preclinical models. ## Health Benefits • Potential [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) inducer, though research is limited to preclinical studies. • May act as an apoptosis inhibitor, supported by preliminary in-vitro evidence. • Shows promise as an antilipemic agent in animal studies. • Functions as an [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)or, as suggested by early-stage research. • Exhibits [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) properties, demonstrated in preclinical models. ## Mechanism of Action Salvigenin modulates the mTOR-AMPK signaling axis to influence autophagic flux, promoting or inhibiting autophagosome formation depending on cellular context. It interacts with Bcl-2 family proteins, particularly by influencing Bcl-2 and Bax expression ratios, thereby regulating [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy)-mediated apoptotic pathways. Additionally, salvigenin has been shown to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity and downregulate SREBP-1c transcription in hepatic cell models, contributing to its observed antilipemic effects. ## Clinical Summary All available evidence for salvigenin derives from in-vitro cell culture studies and rodent animal models, with no registered human clinical trials identified as of 2024. Animal studies examining its antilipemic properties have demonstrated reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels in hyperlipidemic mouse models, though sample sizes are typically small (n=10–20 per group) and study durations short. In-vitro apoptosis and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) studies have used cancer cell lines such as HeLa and MCF-7, reporting IC50 values in the low micromolar range (1–20 µM), but these concentrations have not been validated in human pharmacokinetic contexts. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and extrapolation to human therapeutic use is not currently supported. ## Nutritional Profile Salvigenin (5-hydroxy-6,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone) is a pure bioactive flavone compound, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not contain macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), dietary fiber, or conventional micronutrients such as vitamins or minerals in any nutritional sense. As an isolated polyphenolic compound with molecular weight of 330.33 g/mol and molecular formula C18H18O6, its profile is defined entirely by its bioactive chemistry. It is a O-methylated flavone derivative found naturally in plants such as Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, and related Lamiaceae species, typically present in those source plants at concentrations ranging from trace levels to approximately 0.01–0.5% dry weight depending on plant part and extraction method. Bioavailability data for salvigenin specifically is limited; however, as a methoxylated flavone, the presence of methoxy groups at positions 6, 7, and 4' generally confers greater lipophilicity compared to hydroxylated flavones, suggesting enhanced passive intestinal absorption relative to polyhydroxylated counterparts. Estimated log P values for similar methoxyflavones suggest moderate lipid solubility (log P approximately 2.5–3.5), which may facilitate membrane permeability. No established dietary reference intake exists. Research doses in preclinical models have ranged from approximately 10–100 mg/kg body weight in animal studies. As a compound rather than a food, it contributes no caloric value and no known essential nutrient function. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms are available due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No human safety data or toxicology trials exist for isolated salvigenin supplementation, making definitive safety profiling impossible at this time. Animal studies have not reported overt acute toxicity at tested doses, but chronic exposure data are absent. Salvigenin's inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, observed in in-vitro assays, raises theoretical concerns about interactions with drugs metabolized by these pathways, including statins, warfarin, and certain antiretrovirals. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation due to a complete absence of reproductive safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted for salvigenin. Current knowledge is based solely on preclinical studies, lacking specific PMIDs or study details. ## Historical & Cultural Context There are no documented traditional or historical medicinal uses of salvigenin. The research does not provide insights into its historical or cultural context. ## Synergistic Combinations Resveratrol, Curcumin, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Berberine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What plants naturally contain salvigenin? Salvigenin is found predominantly in Salvia officinalis (common sage), Artemisia species, and certain members of the Lamiaceae family. It is biosynthesized via O-methylation of the flavone luteolin, a reaction catalyzed by flavonoid O-methyltransferase enzymes within plant tissue. Concentrations vary significantly by plant part and growing conditions. ### Can salvigenin induce autophagy in cancer cells? Preclinical in-vitro studies suggest salvigenin can influence autophagic flux by modulating the mTOR-AMPK signaling axis in cancer cell lines, including MCF-7 breast cancer cells. However, whether it acts as a net inducer or inhibitor of autophagy appears context-dependent, varying with cell type and concentration used (typically 1–20 µM in studies). No human data exist to confirm this mechanism translates clinically. ### Does salvigenin lower cholesterol? Rodent studies using hyperlipidemic mouse models have shown salvigenin administration is associated with reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, potentially via inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and downregulation of SREBP-1c in hepatic tissue. These results are preliminary, with small sample sizes (n=10–20) and no human clinical trials to validate efficacy or establish effective dosing. It should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based lipid-lowering therapies. ### Are there any drug interactions with salvigenin? In-vitro assays indicate salvigenin may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which are responsible for metabolizing a wide range of pharmaceuticals including statins, warfarin, benzodiazepines, and certain antiretrovirals. This inhibition could theoretically elevate plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Until human pharmacokinetic studies are conducted, caution is warranted for individuals taking CYP-metabolized medications. ### Is salvigenin available as a supplement? Salvigenin is not widely available as a standardized isolated supplement in mainstream markets as of 2024; it is more commonly encountered as a constituent within whole-herb sage or Artemisia extracts. No established therapeutic dosage has been defined for humans, as clinical trials have not been conducted. Individuals interested in its potential effects would typically encounter it incidentally through consumption of sage-based herbal products rather than targeted salvigenin supplementation. ### What does research show about salvigenin's neuroprotective effects? Preclinical studies demonstrate that salvigenin exhibits neuroprotective properties in animal models, suggesting potential benefits for neuronal health and function. However, these findings remain limited to laboratory and in-vivo animal research, with no clinical trials in humans yet published. The exact mechanisms of neuroprotection are still being investigated and require further human studies before therapeutic claims can be made. ### Who should consider taking salvigenin and who should avoid it? Salvigenin may be of interest to individuals exploring natural compounds for immunomodulation or neuroprotection based on preliminary research, though clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and individuals with existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid salvigenin until safety data in these populations becomes available. Anyone taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as interactions have not been fully characterized. ### How does salvigenin compare to other flavonoids for immune support? Salvigenin is a flavonoid with immunomodulatory properties demonstrated in early-stage research, though direct comparative studies with other well-known flavonoids like quercetin or luteolin are limited. Most evidence for salvigenin comes from in-vitro and animal studies, whereas other flavonoids have more extensive human research supporting their immune benefits. The relative efficacy and bioavailability of salvigenin versus established flavonoids remain unclear pending further clinical investigation. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*