# Silbinol (Pterocarpus marsupium)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/silbinol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Pterocarpus marsupium, Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kino, Vijaysar, Bijasar, Indian Redwood, Kino Tree

## Overview

Silbinol is a patented extract of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood standardized to pterostilbene and epicatechin, bioactive compounds that activate AMPK signaling and modulate PPAR-gamma receptors to support healthy blood [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). It has demonstrated [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in both preclinical models and human clinical trials, with measurable effects on [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels and glycemic markers.

## Health Benefits

• [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support through reduction of TMAO formation and vascular inflammation (preliminary evidence from animal studies)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with 11.3% increase in [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels from baseline (human clinical trial)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via suppression of TNF-α, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 genes (animal model evidence)
• Superior bioavailability and metabolic stability compared to resveratrol (mechanistic studies)
• Maintenance of normal blood sugar and metabolic parameters (human safety study)

## Mechanism of Action

Silbinol's primary bioactives, pterostilbene and epicatechin, activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which enhances peripheral glucose uptake and inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis. Epicatechin additionally modulates PPAR-gamma, improving [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) at the receptor level. The extract suppresses [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-alpha and E-selectin, and reduces TMAO formation by altering gut microbial enzyme activity, contributing to [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and metabolic benefits.

## Clinical Summary

A human clinical trial documented an 11.3% increase in [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels from baseline following Silbinol supplementation, indicating measurable [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) efficacy. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) outcomes including suppression of TNF-alpha and E-selectin have been observed, though some inflammatory data derive from animal or in vitro models rather than large-scale randomized controlled trials. [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) findings related to TMAO reduction are preliminary and primarily supported by animal study evidence. Overall, human clinical evidence is promising but limited in sample size and study duration, warranting larger RCTs to confirm glycemic and cardiovascular endpoints.

## Nutritional Profile

Silbinol is a proprietary standardized extract of Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino Tree) heartwood, not a conventional macronutrient source. Primary bioactive compounds: Pterostilbene (key active stilbenoid, structurally analogous to resveratrol with two methoxy groups instead of hydroxyl groups, enhancing lipophilicity and metabolic stability); Epicatechin (flavan-3-ol polyphenol); Pterosupin (a C-glycosylflavone); Marsupsin and Liquiritigenin (additional phenolic constituents). Pterostilbene is typically standardized to defined concentrations in Silbinol extracts, with bioavailability approximately 4-fold greater than resveratrol due to reduced first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and enhanced cellular uptake. Macronutrient content is negligible at typical supplemental doses (50–500 mg/day). No significant vitamins or minerals are contributed. Fiber content is minimal in extract form. The extract demonstrates enhanced metabolic stability with a plasma half-life approximately 7 times longer than resveratrol. Bioavailability is further supported by dimethyl ether substitution pattern, which reduces glucuronidation and sulfation reactions in hepatic metabolism, resulting in higher circulating parent compound concentrations. [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) quantified at 11.3% increase in [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels in human clinical data. No significant caloric contribution at standard doses.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: 200 mg/day (100 mg twice daily) of standardized extract containing 90% pterostilbene. Alternative commercial standardizations exist at 5% and 30% pterostilbene, but lack specific human clinical dosing data. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Silbinol is generally well tolerated in studies, with no severe adverse events reported at standard supplemental doses, though comprehensive long-term safety data in humans remain limited. Because its constituents influence [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), concurrent use with antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin may produce additive hypoglycemic effects requiring medical supervision. Pterostilbene, a key bioactive, is a mild CYP2C9 inhibitor and may theoretically affect plasma levels of warfarin and other drugs metabolized by this enzyme. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and use should be avoided in these populations without physician guidance.

## Scientific Research

A randomized, placebo-controlled safety evaluation (PMID: 37671486) tested 200 mg/day of standardized Pterocarpus marsupium extract (90% pterostilbene) in healthy adults, finding no adverse effects and maintenance of normal metabolic parameters. Additional preclinical research published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research demonstrated [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits through microbiota regulation, though human efficacy trials remain limited.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Pterocarpus marsupium is referenced in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, indicating centuries of traditional application. The specific historical applications are not detailed in available sources, though the plant's inclusion in Ayurvedic practice suggests longstanding medicinal use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Resveratrol, Quercetin, Berberine, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Chromium

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Silbinol and how is it different from regular Pterocarpus marsupium extract?

Silbinol is a patented, standardized extract of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood specifically concentrated for its pterostilbene and epicatechin content, ensuring consistent potency across batches. Generic Pterocarpus marsupium extracts vary widely in bioactive concentration and are not subject to the same standardization protocols, making Silbinol a more reproducible option for research and supplementation.

### How does Silbinol help with blood sugar management?

Silbinol supports blood sugar management primarily through AMPK activation, which increases glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and reduces hepatic glucose output. Its epicatechin content also acts on PPAR-gamma receptors to enhance insulin sensitivity, offering a dual-pathway approach to glycemic regulation supported by both mechanistic and preliminary clinical data.

### What dose of Silbinol is typically used in studies?

Specific dosages used in published human trials on Silbinol are not consistently disclosed in the available literature, though Pterocarpus marsupium extracts in clinical research have generally ranged from 200 to 500 mg per day. Users should follow manufacturer guidelines on standardized products and consult a healthcare provider to determine an appropriate individualized dose.

### Can Silbinol interact with diabetes medications?

Yes, Silbinol has additive blood-glucose-lowering potential through AMPK and PPAR-gamma pathways, which may enhance the effect of antidiabetic drugs including metformin, glipizide, and insulin, increasing hypoglycemia risk. Patients managing type 2 diabetes with medication should monitor blood glucose closely and inform their prescribing physician before adding Silbinol to their regimen.

### Is Silbinol effective for cardiovascular health?

Silbinol shows preliminary cardiovascular promise through two mechanisms: reduction of TMAO formation, a gut-derived compound linked to arterial plaque progression, and suppression of vascular inflammatory markers including E-selectin. However, these cardiovascular findings are largely derived from animal studies, and human clinical evidence specifically targeting cardiovascular outcomes remains insufficient to make definitive efficacy claims.

### What is the bioavailability advantage of Silbinol compared to standard Pterocarpus marsupium extract?

Silbinol demonstrates superior bioavailability and metabolic stability compared to conventional Pterocarpus marsupium extracts, meaning more of the active compound reaches systemic circulation. This enhanced bioavailability allows for potentially lower doses to achieve similar physiological effects. The branded formulation is specifically designed to optimize the absorption and retention of Pterocarpus marsupium's active constituents in the body.

### Does Silbinol have antioxidant benefits beyond blood sugar support?

Yes, clinical evidence shows Silbinol increases glutathione levels by 11.3% from baseline in human trials, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity independent of glucose management. This enhanced antioxidant protection may contribute to overall cellular health and reduce oxidative stress-related damage. The antioxidant benefits complement its other documented health effects.

### Who should consider taking Silbinol for cardiovascular support?

Individuals concerned with cardiovascular health, particularly those with elevated inflammation markers or vascular dysfunction, may benefit from Silbinol based on preliminary evidence. Research shows it reduces TMAO formation and suppresses pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, E-selectin, VCAM-1) associated with endothelial dysfunction. However, those taking cardiovascular medications should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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