# Tectochrysin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tectochrysin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone, 4'-O-methylapigenin, 4'-methoxyapigenin, 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, Tectochrysin flavone, O-methylated flavone ## Overview Tectochrysin is a naturally occurring O-methylated flavonoid found primarily in propolis, Alpinia species, and Stachys plants, where it acts as a bioactive aglycone. Its primary mechanisms involve induction of apoptosis in cancer cell lines and suppression of NF-κB-driven [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling pathways. ## Health Benefits • Supports anticancer potential via apoptosis induction in colon cancer cells (Preclinical in vitro evidence). • Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling (Preclinical in vitro evidence). • Potential [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties (Preclinical in vitro evidence). • Non-cytotoxic to normal human colon fibroblasts at tested concentrations (Preclinical in vitro evidence). • May reduce inflammatory gene expression by preventing IκB phosphorylation (Preclinical in vitro evidence). ## Mechanism of Action Tectochrysin induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax and cleaved caspase-3 while downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. It suppresses [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, thereby reducing downstream cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, tectochrysin demonstrates [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity attributed to its hydroxyl and methoxy substituents on the flavone backbone, contributing to its antioxidant profile. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for tectochrysin is limited entirely to preclinical in vitro and limited animal model studies, with no published human clinical trials as of the available data. In vitro studies using human colon cancer cell lines such as HCT116 and SW480 have demonstrated concentration-dependent apoptosis induction and reduced cell viability. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been quantified by measuring NF-κB pathway inhibition and reduced cytokine secretion in macrophage cell models. The absence of human trial data means efficacy, optimal dosing, and bioavailability in humans remain unestablished, and all findings should be interpreted with caution. ## Nutritional Profile Tectochrysin is a pure bioactive flavonoid compound (specifically a flavone), not a whole food or nutritional source, and therefore does not contain macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats), dietary fiber, or significant micronutrients in a nutritional context. Its profile is defined entirely by its chemical identity: Molecular formula C17H14O5, molecular weight approximately 298.29 g/mol. It is a 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone, meaning it possesses a hydroxyl group at position 5 and a methoxy group at position 7 on the flavone backbone. As a lipophilic compound due to its methoxy substitution, it demonstrates moderate to low water solubility, which influences its bioavailability — absorption may be limited without lipid-based delivery systems or nanoformulation. It is naturally found in propolis, Alpinia species (e.g., Alpinia katsumadai), and certain Asteraceae family plants, typically present in these sources at trace concentrations (estimated range: low mg/kg in raw plant material). No caloric value, vitamin content, mineral content, or fiber content is applicable. Bioavailability data in humans is currently limited to preclinical models; hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) is anticipated given its flavonoid structure, with potential glucuronidation and sulfation as primary metabolic pathways. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages are available due to the absence of human trials. In vitro protocols use 1-10 μg/mL concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Tectochrysin has demonstrated non-cytotoxic behavior toward normal cell lines in preclinical in vitro models, suggesting a preliminary favorable safety profile at tested concentrations. However, no formal human safety studies, toxicology trials, or established tolerable upper intake levels exist for isolated tectochrysin supplementation. Potential interactions with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin are theoretically possible given the shared flavonoid class tendency to modulate CYP450 enzymes, though no direct interaction data for tectochrysin specifically has been published. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation due to a complete absence of reproductive safety data. ## Scientific Research Research on Tectochrysin is limited to preclinical in vitro studies. No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted. Studies involved MTT assays on cancer cell lines, showing non-cytotoxicity in normal cells. ## Historical & Cultural Context There are no documented traditional or historical medicinal uses of Tectochrysin. Its known occurrences are primarily in modern scientific research contexts. ## Synergistic Combinations Curcumin, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Green tea extract, Vitamin C ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is tectochrysin and where does it come from? Tectochrysin is a 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone, an O-methylated flavonoid aglycone found naturally in propolis, Alpinia oxyphylla, Stachys species, and certain other plants in the Lamiaceae and Zingiberaceae families. It is structurally related to chrysin but distinguished by its methoxy group at the 7-position of the flavone ring. It is typically extracted from plant material for research purposes and is not yet widely available as a standardized commercial supplement. ### Does tectochrysin have anticancer properties? Preclinical in vitro research has shown tectochrysin induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines, including HCT116, by upregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2 protein expression. These effects were observed in a concentration-dependent manner in laboratory settings. No human clinical trials have been conducted, so its anticancer efficacy in living humans is entirely unproven at this stage. ### How does tectochrysin reduce inflammation? Tectochrysin inhibits inflammatory signaling primarily by blocking the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, a key transcription factor that drives expression of pro-inflammatory genes. This suppression leads to reduced production of cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in stimulated macrophage cell models. All available evidence is from in vitro experiments, and translation to human anti-inflammatory therapeutic use has not been clinically validated. ### What is the recommended dosage of tectochrysin? No clinically established or evidence-based dosage for tectochrysin in humans currently exists, as it has not been evaluated in human pharmacokinetic or dose-ranging clinical trials. In vitro studies have used concentrations typically ranging from 10 to 100 micromolar to observe biological effects, but these laboratory concentrations do not directly translate to oral supplementation doses in humans. Until human bioavailability and safety studies are completed, no dosage recommendation can be responsibly made. ### Is tectochrysin safe to take as a supplement? Tectochrysin has shown non-cytotoxic behavior toward normal healthy cell lines in preclinical laboratory studies, which is a positive preliminary indicator. However, comprehensive human safety data including pharmacokinetics, long-term toxicity, and drug interaction profiles are entirely absent from the published literature. Individuals taking anticoagulants, CYP450-metabolized medications, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid use until human safety research is available. ### What does the current research evidence show about tectochrysin's effectiveness in humans? Most research on tectochrysin remains in the preclinical stage, conducted primarily in laboratory and cell culture studies rather than clinical trials in humans. While in vitro evidence demonstrates promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, these findings have not yet been confirmed in human studies. Before tectochrysin can be recommended as a clinical treatment, larger-scale human trials are needed to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing. ### Does tectochrysin interact with common medications or other supplements? Limited data exist on specific drug-supplement interactions with tectochrysin due to its early research stage and lack of widespread clinical use. Because tectochrysin may influence NF-κB signaling and cellular pathways, it could theoretically interact with immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory medications, or chemotherapy agents. Anyone taking prescription medications or undergoing cancer treatment should consult a healthcare provider before adding tectochrysin supplements. ### Which foods naturally contain tectochrysin, and can I obtain sufficient amounts from diet? Tectochrysin is found in plant sources including propolis and certain plant-derived materials, though dietary concentrations are typically very low. It is not considered a significant dietary constituent in standard foods, making it difficult to obtain therapeutic amounts from diet alone. Supplementation would be the primary way to achieve the concentrations used in research studies, though human efficacy data remain limited. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*