# Syringin (Phenylpropanoid Glycoside)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/syringin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-syringol, Lilioside B, Syringol 4-O-glucoside, Eleutheroside B1, Lilium glycoside, Bai He glycoside, Phenylpropanoid glucoside

## Overview

Syringin is a phenylpropanoid glycoside found in lilac bark and other plants that demonstrates cardioprotective and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. Research shows it protects heart tissue by modulating [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and reduces inflammatory responses through inhibition of macrophage activation.

## Health Benefits

• May protect heart tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function (preclinical evidence only, rat models)
• Could help manage [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) arthritis by inhibiting macrophage-synoviocyte crosstalk and reducing M1 polarization (preclinical evidence only, rat CIA models)
• May support [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) regulation in type 2 diabetes through alpha-linolenic acid metabolism modulation (preclinical evidence only, mouse models)
• Potentially reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through NRF2/HO-1 activation (preclinical evidence only)
• May provide [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) by upregulating SOD and catalase enzymes (preclinical evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Syringin protects cardiac tissue by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and improving [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) during ischemia-reperfusion injury. It inhibits inflammatory responses by preventing M1 macrophage polarization and blocking [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. The compound also modulates NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to reduce tissue damage and inflammation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for syringin is limited to preclinical animal studies, primarily in rat models. [Cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) studies show significant reduction in myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function parameters during ischemia-reperfusion protocols. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) research demonstrates reduced joint inflammation and macrophage infiltration in arthritis models. No human clinical trials have been conducted to date, making safety and efficacy in humans unknown.

## Nutritional Profile

Syringin (also known as eleutheroside B; CAS 118-34-3) is a phenylpropanoid glycoside, not a macronutrient or food source itself, but a discrete phytochemical compound with molecular formula C17H24O9 and molecular weight of 372.37 g/mol. It is not a source of protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals in any nutritional sense. Structurally, it consists of sinapyl alcohol (a phenylpropanoid aglycone) linked to a glucose moiety via a beta-glycosidic bond. It is found in concentrated form in the bark and root bark of Syringa vulgaris (common lilac), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng, where it comprises approximately 0.6–1.0% of dry root extract), Ilex pubescens, and select species of Fraxinus and Magnolia. In standardized Eleutherococcus extracts, syringin content typically ranges from 0.5 mg/g to 6 mg/g of dry extract depending on plant part and preparation method. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is limited by intestinal hydrolysis; gut microbiota cleave the beta-glycosidic bond to release sinapyl alcohol, which undergoes further hepatic phase II conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation). Peak plasma concentrations in rodent studies occur at approximately 30–60 minutes post-oral administration. Lipophilicity is low (estimated LogP ≈ -0.5 to 0.2), favoring aqueous solubility (~2–5 mg/mL in water at 25°C) but potentially limiting passive membrane permeability. No caloric value is assigned as a pure compound; it is used exclusively as a bioactive phytochemical at doses studied in the range of 10–100 mg/kg body weight in preclinical models.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used intraperitoneal administration without specified mg/kg ranges in published abstracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for syringin in humans is not available due to lack of clinical trials. Potential interactions with cardiovascular medications or [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs are unknown and should be considered given its mechanisms of action. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions or those taking [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications should exercise caution until human safety data becomes available.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on syringin. All available evidence comes from preclinical animal studies including rat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion models (PMID: 36840496), collagen-induced arthritis rat models (PMID: 39842374), and high-fat diet/STZ-induced diabetes mouse models (PMID: 41125012).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Syringin-containing plants like Lilium brownii (hundred-union lily bulb) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat conditions such as adjuvant arthritis, cardiac issues, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), typically prepared as decoctions or extracts. Historical records document anti-arthritic effects in rat models mimicking TCM applications (PMID: 21351587).

## Synergistic Combinations

Phillygenin, quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin, alpha-lipoic acid

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What foods contain syringin naturally?

Syringin is found primarily in lilac bark (Syringa species), but also occurs in smaller amounts in certain berries and some traditional medicinal plants. Commercial supplements typically use standardized plant extracts rather than whole food sources.

### How much syringin was used in heart protection studies?

Preclinical studies used syringin doses ranging from 10-50 mg/kg body weight in animal models. However, these dosages cannot be directly translated to human use without proper clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy.

### Can syringin help with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

Animal studies suggest syringin reduces joint inflammation by inhibiting macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokine production. However, no human trials exist, so its effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis in people remains unproven.

### Is syringin the same as syringic acid?

No, syringin is a phenylpropanoid glycoside while syringic acid is a phenolic acid with different molecular structure and biological activities. Both compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties but work through distinct mechanisms.

### What are the side effects of taking syringin supplements?

Side effects of syringin supplements are unknown because no human safety studies have been conducted. Given its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects in animals, it may potentially interact with related medications or affect blood pressure.

### What is the current state of clinical evidence for syringin in humans?

Most research on syringin has been conducted in preclinical models, particularly rat studies examining heart protection and arthritis, meaning human clinical trials are limited or absent. While these animal studies show promising mechanisms—such as reducing cardiac infarct size and modulating inflammatory immune responses—the evidence has not yet been translated into approved human applications. Before syringin can be recommended for specific health conditions, well-designed human clinical trials are needed to establish safety and efficacy.

### Does syringin interact with diabetes medications or heart medications?

There is insufficient clinical data on syringin interactions with common diabetes or cardiovascular medications because human safety studies remain limited. Given that syringin may affect glucose metabolism and has potential cardiovascular effects based on animal research, individuals taking insulin, metformin, beta-blockers, or other heart medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing. This caution is especially important because the actual bioavailability and systemic effects of supplemental syringin in humans are not well-characterized.

### Is syringin safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers?

There is no safety data on syringin use during pregnancy or lactation, and it should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women as a precautionary measure. The lack of human studies means potential effects on fetal development or milk composition cannot be assessed. Women planning to become pregnant or currently breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before considering syringin supplementation.

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