Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside primarily extracted from Erigeron breviscapus that demonstrates anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects. It modulates inflammatory pathways including TLR4/NF-κB signaling and has been used clinically in China for stroke and myocardial infarction treatment for over 30 years.
Origin & History
Scutellarin is a flavonoid glycoside (flavone-7-O-glucuronide) primarily extracted from the Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz., and also found in Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria barbata. It is isolated from these plants used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular and inflammatory conditions.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
While scutellarin has been used clinically for over three decades for stroke, myocardial infarction, and diabetic complications, the available research lacks specific human clinical trial data with PMIDs. Current evidence primarily consists of preclinical studies including in vitro macrophage studies (PMID: 39029229) and mouse arthritis models using 20 mg/kg/day oral dosing (PMID: 28849116).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Scutellarin is a pure bioactive flavonoid glycoside compound (4',5,6-trihydroxyflavone-7-glucuronide), not a whole food ingredient, and therefore does not contain macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate), dietary fiber, or conventional micronutrients in nutritional terms. Molecular weight: 462.37 g/mol. As a glycoside, it consists of a scutellarein aglycone backbone linked to a glucuronic acid moiety at the 7-position. Primary bioactive compound: scutellarin itself at 100% of the isolate when in standardized extract form. When derived from Erigeron breviscapus (fleabane herb), standardized pharmaceutical-grade extracts typically contain 85–98% scutellarin purity. Bioavailability is notably poor via oral route: absolute oral bioavailability estimated at approximately 2.1–7.4% in rodent models due to extensive first-pass metabolism and poor intestinal absorption. Intestinal bacteria hydrolyze scutellarin to its aglycone scutellarein, which is then partially reabsorbed. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) reached approximately 1–2 hours post oral administration. Intravenous formulations (as used clinically in China, e.g., 50 mg scutellarin injection) bypass absorption limitations and achieve significantly higher bioavailability. Protein binding: approximately 85–90% bound to plasma proteins. The compound is lipophilic enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting its neuroprotective applications. No vitamins, dietary minerals, or fiber content applicable to this isolated compound.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Scutellarin inhibits inflammatory signaling by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The compound demonstrates cardiovascular protection through mechanisms that support cerebral and cardiac circulation, though the precise molecular targets for these effects require further elucidation. Its anti-inflammatory activity appears to involve direct modulation of toll-like receptor signaling cascades.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Scutellarin has been used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine for stroke and myocardial infarction treatment for over three decades, indicating established therapeutic applications. Preclinical studies in mouse arthritis models demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects with measurable reductions in inflammatory biomarkers. However, rigorous randomized controlled trials with Western populations are limited, and most evidence comes from traditional use patterns and animal studies. The clinical evidence base would benefit from larger-scale controlled human trials to validate therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
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