# Skimmianine **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/skimmianine **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-04-04 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 4,7,8-trimethoxyfuro[2,3-b]quinoline, Furoquinoline alkaloid, Skimmianin, 7,8-dimethoxy-4-methyl-6H-furo[2,3-b]quinoline, Rutaceae alkaloid ## Overview Skimmianine is a furoquinoline alkaloid derived primarily from plants in the Rutaceae family, including Skimmia japonica and Ruta graveolens. It exerts biological activity chiefly through [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition and induction of apoptotic pathways in cancer cell lines. ## Health Benefits • Anticancer activity demonstrated in vitro against ovarian cancer (A2780) and other cell lines (K562, Colo38) - evidence quality: preliminary (cell studies only) • Acetylcholinesterase inhibition potentially supporting [cognitive function](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) - evidence quality: preliminary (in vitro studies) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects shown in preclinical models - evidence quality: preliminary (animal/cell studies) • [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antiparasitic properties demonstrated in laboratory tests - evidence quality: preliminary (in vitro only) • Potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and antidiabetic effects noted in preclinical research - evidence quality: preliminary (no human data) ## Mechanism of Action Skimmianine inhibits [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine at synaptic junctions, thereby potentially prolonging cholinergic neurotransmission. In cancer cell models, it promotes apoptosis through activation of caspase cascades and modulation of Bcl-2 family protein expression, reducing cell viability in lines such as A2780 (ovarian), K562 (leukemia), and Colo38 (melanoma). Additionally, skimmianine demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NF-κB signaling and downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. ## Clinical Summary All current evidence for skimmianine is derived from in vitro cell studies and preclinical animal models; no human clinical trials have been published to date. In ovarian cancer cell line A2780, skimmianine reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values reported in the low micromolar range in some assays. Rodent studies suggest mild anxiolytic and sedative-adjacent effects at doses of approximately 10–30 mg/kg, though translating these findings to human dosing remains speculative. The overall evidence quality is preliminary, and skimmianine cannot currently be recommended for any clinical indication. ## Nutritional Profile Skimmianine is a naturally occurring furoquinoline alkaloid (molecular formula C14H13NO4, molecular weight 259.26 g/mol), not a conventional food nutrient and therefore carries no macronutrient, vitamin, mineral, or fiber content. It is a pure bioactive secondary metabolite isolated primarily from plants of the family Rutaceae, notably Skimmia japonica, Ruta graveolens, Zanthoxylum species, and Dictamnus albus. As a compound rather than a whole food ingredient, its 'nutritional profile' is defined entirely by its phytochemical identity: a tricyclic furoquinoline skeleton with methoxy substituents at positions 4, 7, and 8, contributing to its lipophilic character (estimated LogP ~1.8–2.2). Concentrations in source plants vary: bark and root extracts of Zanthoxylum species have yielded skimmianine at approximately 0.01–0.1% dry weight depending on extraction method and plant part. Bioavailability data in humans is absent; preclinical pharmacokinetic studies suggest moderate oral absorption due to its lipophilic nature, with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) likely involving cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP3A4 implicated based on structural analogs). It is not a source of calories, protein, carbohydrates, or fats. No dietary reference intake or tolerable upper limit has been established. Present in trace amounts in some herbal preparations but not quantified as a nutritional component in any regulatory food database. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. Oral activity has been noted in animal studies, but standardization details, extract concentrations, and safe dosing parameters remain undetermined. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Skimmianine's safety profile in humans has not been formally established through controlled trials, making definitive risk assessment impossible at this time. Because it inhibits [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase, combining skimmianine with cholinergic drugs, anticholinergics, or other AChE inhibitors such as donepezil or rivastigmine could produce additive or antagonistic pharmacodynamic interactions. Rutaceae-derived alkaloids as a class have shown phototoxic potential in some studies, suggesting possible photosensitivity risk with topical or high-dose oral exposure. Skimmianine should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation due to complete absence of safety data, and individuals with liver conditions should exercise caution given hepatic alkaloid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on skimmianine. All available research is limited to preclinical studies, with pharmacological activities reviewed in PMID 36518041 calling explicitly for human clinical studies to validate preliminary findings. ## Historical & Cultural Context Rutaceae plants containing skimmianine have been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly Aegle marmelos (Bael tree) in Ayurvedic medicine for bark and leaf remedies. While the plants have longstanding folk use in South Asian medicine, specific historical documentation of skimmianine itself as an isolated compound is not available. ## Synergistic Combinations Berberine, dictamnine, γ-fagarine, magnoflorine, xanthoplanine ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What plant is skimmianine found in? Skimmianine is found predominantly in plants of the Rutaceae family, particularly Skimmia japonica, Ruta graveolens (common rue), and Zanthoxylum species. It is one of several furoquinoline alkaloids concentrated in the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants and has been isolated for research purposes from multiple Rutaceae genera worldwide. ### Does skimmianine have anticancer properties? Preliminary in vitro studies show skimmianine reduces cell viability in cancer lines including A2780 (ovarian cancer), K562 (chronic myeloid leukemia), and Colo38 (melanoma), with IC50 values in the low-to-mid micromolar range in some assays. The proposed mechanism involves caspase-mediated apoptosis and modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. However, no animal tumor models or human trials exist, so these findings cannot be interpreted as evidence of clinical anticancer efficacy. ### Can skimmianine improve memory or cognitive function? Skimmianine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in vitro, the same enzyme targeted by approved Alzheimer's drugs like donepezil, which theoretically could support acetylcholine-dependent memory processes. Rodent studies have reported behavioral effects consistent with cholinergic modulation at doses of roughly 10–30 mg/kg. No human studies have evaluated cognitive outcomes, so any cognitive benefit in people remains entirely unproven at this stage. ### Is skimmianine safe to take as a supplement? Skimmianine has not been evaluated in human safety trials, and no established safe dosage range exists for human consumption. As a quinoline alkaloid, it carries theoretical risks of hepatotoxicity and phototoxicity seen with structurally related compounds in the Rutaceae class. Until controlled human data are available, skimmianine should be considered experimental and is not recommended for self-supplementation, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. ### What is the difference between skimmianine and other furoquinoline alkaloids? Skimmianine (4,7,8-trimethoxyfuro[2,3-b]quinoline) shares the furoquinoline scaffold with related alkaloids such as dictamnine, kokusaginine, and haplopine, all found in Rutaceae plants, but differs in its methoxy substitution pattern at positions 4, 7, and 8 of the quinoline ring. These structural differences influence receptor binding affinity, AChE inhibition potency, and cytotoxic selectivity across cell lines. Dictamnine, for example, shows stronger phototoxic activity, while skimmianine appears comparatively more studied for AChE inhibition among the group. ### What does the current research evidence show about skimmianine's effectiveness? Current evidence for skimmianine is primarily preliminary, based on laboratory cell studies and animal models rather than human clinical trials. Promising anticancer activity has been observed in vitro against ovarian cancer and other cell lines, while anti-inflammatory and cognitive-supporting effects have been demonstrated in preclinical research. However, these findings have not yet been validated in human studies, so claims about its therapeutic benefits remain investigational and not yet proven in clinical practice. ### What are the natural food sources of skimmianine? Skimmianine is a furoquinoline alkaloid naturally occurring in plants of the Rutaceae family, most notably in Skimmia species. It is found in limited concentrations in citrus-related plants and traditional medicinal herbs, but dietary intake from food sources alone is typically very low. Most supplemental skimmianine is derived from plant extraction rather than obtained through conventional food consumption. ### Who should avoid taking skimmianine supplements? Due to limited safety data in humans, skimmianine supplementation should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, as well as children, until adequate safety studies are completed. Individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as alkaloid compounds are metabolized hepatically. Additionally, those taking medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes should seek medical guidance due to the potential for interaction with this alkaloid compound. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*