# Scoparone

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/scoparone
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, 6,7-dimethoxy-2H-chromen-2-one, scoparon, 6,7-dimethoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, Yin Chen coumarin, capillarisin B

## Overview

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is a naturally occurring coumarin compound found in herbs such as Artemisia capillaris and citrus peels. It exerts [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and anti-inflammatory effects primarily by modulating NF-κB signaling and suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production.

## Health Benefits

• May protect [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox) by improving hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in animal models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (PMID: 31421545) - preliminary evidence only
• Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by reducing IL-8 and MCP-1 production in human monocyte cell cultures at 5-100 μM concentrations (PMID: 16376386) - in vitro evidence only
• Shows potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits by inhibiting aortic aneurysm formation in mice through smooth muscle cell regulation (PMID: 40490231) - animal evidence only
• May support [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) with procognitive effects observed in Swiss mice at 2.5-25 mg/kg doses (PMID: 35039558) - preliminary animal evidence
• Reduces [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced superoxide formation in endothelial cells (PMID: 12928592) - in vitro evidence only

## Mechanism of Action

Scoparone inhibits NF-κB activation, thereby reducing downstream transcription of pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators including IL-8 and MCP-1 in monocytes. It also activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and suppresses SREBP-1c-mediated lipogenesis, which may explain its ability to reduce hepatic fat accumulation and fibrosis in animal models. Additionally, scoparone has demonstrated inhibition of platelet aggregation via cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibition, contributing to its vasodilatory properties.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence for scoparone comes from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where it reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis markers (PMID: 31421545). [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, including reduction of IL-8 and MCP-1 production, have been demonstrated in human monocyte cultures at concentrations of 5–100 µM, though these concentrations have not been confirmed as achievable in human plasma. No controlled clinical trials in humans have been published to date, meaning all conclusions about efficacy in people remain preliminary. The overall evidence base is weak by clinical standards, and extrapolation from animal and cell studies should be made cautiously.

## Nutritional Profile

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is a pure bioactive compound, not a whole food ingredient, and therefore contains no macronutrients (protein: 0g, carbohydrates: 0g, fat: 0g), dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals in any meaningful nutritional sense. Molecular weight: 206.19 g/mol. Molecular formula: C11H10O4. It is a dimethoxylated coumarin derivative belonging to the benzopyrone class of polyphenolic compounds. Naturally occurring in several plant sources including Artemisia capillaris (yan chen), citrus peel (particularly in the flavedo of oranges and lemons at concentrations ranging approximately 0.1–2.5 mg/g dry weight depending on cultivar and ripeness), and Scoparia dulcis. As an isolated compound, bioavailability studies in rodent models suggest moderate oral absorption with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); it undergoes O-demethylation to yield esculetin and related metabolites. Effective in vitro concentrations reported in cell culture studies range from 5–100 μM. Lipophilicity (estimated LogP ~1.6) suggests moderate membrane permeability. No established dietary reference intake, recommended daily allowance, or tolerable upper intake level exists for scoparone as a standalone compound. Trace quantities are consumed incidentally through citrus-containing foods and herbal teas derived from Artemisia species.

## Dosage & Preparation

Preclinical dosing: 2.5-25 mg/kg in animal studies (intraperitoneal); 5-100 μM in cell culture studies. No standardized human dosages have been established due to lack of clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human safety trials for isolated scoparone have been conducted, so a well-characterized side effect profile does not yet exist. Because scoparone inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes, including CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, in vitro, it may theoretically alter the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of drugs such as warfarin, caffeine, or NSAIDs, though clinical significance is unconfirmed. Its antiplatelet and vasodilatory properties suggest potential additive effects with anticoagulant or antihypertensive medications, warranting caution. Use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended due to the complete absence of safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence for scoparone consists entirely of preclinical studies in animal models and cell cultures, with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include a 2019 mouse model showing [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects (PMID: 31421545), a 2022 neuropsychopharmacological profiling in mice (PMID: 35039558), and in vitro studies demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in human cell lines (PMIDs: 16376386, 12928592).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Scoparone is derived from Artemisia capillaris, which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating hepatitis and biliary tract infections. The herb represents a component of traditional oriental medicine formulas, though specific historical duration and detailed traditional applications beyond hepatic conditions are not documented in available research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine, Alpha-lipoic acid, Curcumin, Artichoke extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is scoparone found in naturally?

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is naturally present in Artemisia capillaris (yin chen), a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as in the peel of citrus fruits such as Citrus aurantium and Citrus sinensis. It is also found in smaller quantities in other Artemisia species and some umbelliferous plants.

### Can scoparone help with fatty liver disease?

Preclinical rodent studies suggest scoparone may reduce hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by activating AMPK and inhibiting SREBP-1c-driven fat synthesis (PMID: 31421545). However, no human clinical trials have tested scoparone for fatty liver disease, so it cannot currently be recommended as a treatment. These findings are considered preliminary and hypothesis-generating only.

### Does scoparone have anti-inflammatory properties?

Yes, scoparone has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in human monocyte cell cultures, where it reduced production of the cytokines IL-8 and MCP-1 at concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 µM. This effect is mediated at least in part through inhibition of NF-κB signaling. Whether these concentrations are achievable in human blood after oral supplementation has not been established.

### Does scoparone interact with any medications?

In vitro data indicate that scoparone can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, which are responsible for metabolizing drugs such as warfarin, theophylline, and certain NSAIDs. Additionally, its antiplatelet activity could theoretically amplify the effects of blood-thinning medications like aspirin or clopidogrel. These interactions have not been confirmed in human pharmacokinetic studies, but caution is advisable when combining scoparone with such medications.

### What is the difference between scoparone and scopoletin?

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) and scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) are both naturally occurring coumarin derivatives that share a similar backbone but differ in their substituents: scoparone has two methoxy groups, while scopoletin has one methoxy and one hydroxyl group. This structural difference gives them distinct pharmacological profiles; scopoletin more prominently exhibits spasmolytic and vasorelaxant activity, whereas scoparone is more associated with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory actions. Both are found in Artemisia capillaris and citrus species.

### What does clinical research show about scoparone's effectiveness in humans?

Most evidence for scoparone comes from animal studies and laboratory cell cultures rather than human clinical trials. While in vitro research demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects at concentrations of 5-100 μM in human monocyte cultures, and animal models suggest potential benefits for liver health and steatohepatitis, these findings have not yet been confirmed in rigorous human studies. More clinical research is needed to establish whether scoparone produces meaningful health benefits at supplemental doses in people.

### Is scoparone safe for long-term supplementation?

Safety data on long-term scoparone supplementation in humans is limited, as most research has been conducted in animal models and cell cultures rather than clinical trials. While preliminary evidence suggests tolerability in laboratory settings, there is insufficient human data to establish safe dosing ranges or long-term safety profiles. Anyone considering scoparone supplementation should consult a healthcare provider, particularly if taking other medications or managing existing health conditions.

### Who would benefit most from scoparone supplementation?

Based on current research, potential candidates for scoparone supplementation might include individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or elevated liver inflammation markers, though human evidence remains preliminary. The anti-inflammatory properties demonstrated in cell cultures suggest it may be relevant for inflammatory conditions, but clinical efficacy in humans has not been established. Healthcare providers should evaluate whether scoparone is appropriate on a case-by-case basis, as most supporting evidence comes from animal and in vitro studies rather than human clinical data.

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