# Tricin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tricin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one, O-methylated flavone, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavone, Tricin flavonoid, Grass flavone compound, Lignin monomer tricin ## Overview Tricin is a naturally occurring flavone found in grasses, grains, and wine, where it functions primarily as a structural monomer in plant lignin biosynthesis. Preclinical research suggests it may exert antioxidant and antiproliferative effects through modulation of [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, though no human clinical trials have been conducted. ## Health Benefits • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties suggested in reviews (no clinical evidence available) • Potential anticancer properties mentioned in reviews (no clinical evidence available) • Structural component of plant lignin with unknown human health implications • No human clinical trials have been conducted to verify health benefits • Current evidence limited to plant biology and biosynthesis studies only ## Mechanism of Action Tricin acts as a free radical scavenger by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), with its 4'-methoxy substitution on the B-ring contributing to its antioxidant potency relative to other flavones. In vitro studies suggest it may inhibit cell proliferation by modulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, suppressing cyclin-dependent kinase activity and inducing apoptosis in tumor cell lines. Additionally, tricin incorporates into grass lignin polymers via monolignol coupling, a structural role unique among flavonoids that may influence its bioavailability and metabolic fate in humans. ## Clinical Summary As of current literature, no randomized controlled trials or human clinical studies have been conducted specifically examining tricin supplementation in any population. Evidence is limited entirely to in vitro cell culture experiments and animal model studies, which have demonstrated antiproliferative activity against colorectal and breast cancer cell lines at concentrations that are difficult to achieve through diet alone. One notable preclinical study in rodents observed reduced [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers following tricin administration, but sample sizes were small and human translation remains speculative. The overall evidence base is insufficient to draw any conclusions about therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing in humans. ## Nutritional Profile Tricin (4',5,7-trihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid (flavone subclass) found primarily in graminaceous plants (grasses, cereals). Approximate concentrations: wheat bran ~0.1–0.5 mg/g dry weight; rice bran ~0.05–0.3 mg/g dry weight; oat bran trace amounts. As a pure compound it provides negligible caloric, protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution at dietary exposure levels. Bioactive profile: classified as a methylated flavone with a dimethoxylated B-ring; functions as a monolignol analog incorporated into grass lignin polymers. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity measurable in vitro (DPPH, FRAP assays) but human bioavailability is poorly characterized. Absorption likely occurs via passive diffusion in small intestine following hydrolysis from bound/conjugated forms; undergoes hepatic Phase I/II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (methylation, glucuronidation, sulfation). Plasma concentrations following dietary intake are not well established in humans. No established Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) or recommended daily allowance exists. Micronutrient contribution is negligible. Bioavailability limiting factors include low aqueous solubility, binding to plant cell wall matrix (particularly lignin), and extensive first-pass metabolism. Current concentration and bioavailability data derive predominantly from in vitro and animal studies; human pharmacokinetic data are absent. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges, forms, or standardization details are available as human trials are absent. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No formal human safety data or toxicology studies exist for isolated tricin supplementation, making it impossible to establish a safe dosage range or identify a no-observed-adverse-effect level. Dietary exposure through whole grains and wine is considered low-level and has not been associated with adverse effects in epidemiological contexts. Tricin's structural similarity to other flavones raises theoretical concerns about potential interactions with cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which could affect the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of pharmaceutical drugs including anticoagulants and statins. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid concentrated tricin supplements due to the complete absence of reproductive safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses on tricin were identified in the available research. All existing studies focus on plant biology, biosynthesis pathways, and theoretical nutraceutical properties without any human intervention studies or PMIDs available. ## Historical & Cultural Context No evidence of historical or traditional medicinal use in any systems including Ayurveda or TCM is documented. Tricin was first isolated in 1930 from rusted wheat leaves solely for phytochemical study, not therapeutic applications. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of human research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods are naturally high in tricin? Tricin is found predominantly in monocotyledonous plants, with notable concentrations in wheat bran, rice bran, oats, and certain grasses. It is also detected in red wine at low microgram-per-liter levels, where it derives from grape skin cell walls. Processed grain products contain substantially less tricin than whole, unrefined counterparts due to milling and heat degradation. ### Does tricin have any proven anticancer effects in humans? No human clinical trials have tested tricin as an anticancer agent, so no proven anticancer effect in humans can be claimed. In vitro studies have shown that tricin inhibits proliferation of HCT-116 colorectal and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, with IC50 values typically in the 20–80 micromolar range. These concentrations are unlikely achievable through diet or currently available supplements, and translating cell culture findings to human outcomes requires extensive further research. ### Is tricin the same as a tricin supplement sold in stores? Isolated tricin supplements are not widely commercially available as a standalone product, and most products referencing tricin are either whole grain extracts or rice bran concentrates containing a mixture of flavonoids. Any supplement claiming high-dose purified tricin should be viewed with caution given the absence of human safety and efficacy data. Consumers should verify third-party testing and consult a healthcare provider before use. ### How does tricin differ from other flavones like apigenin or luteolin? Tricin is distinguished from apigenin and luteolin by the presence of two methoxy groups at the 3' and 5' positions of its B-ring, a substitution pattern that is rare among dietary flavones. This dimethoxylation reduces its polarity compared to luteolin and may influence intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism. Tricin is also uniquely capable of forming ether-linked bonds within lignin polymer networks, a biochemical role not shared by apigenin or luteolin. ### What is the recommended dosage of tricin? No evidence-based recommended dosage for tricin exists because no human pharmacokinetic or dose-finding clinical trials have been completed. Preclinical animal studies have used doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight, but direct extrapolation to human dosing is scientifically inappropriate without bridging studies. Until human trials establish safety and efficacy parameters, no dosage recommendation can responsibly be made. ### Is tricin safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement? Long-term safety data for tricin supplements in humans is not available, as no human clinical trials have been conducted on this ingredient. While tricin occurs naturally in foods like rice and wheat, the safety profile of concentrated supplemental forms remains unestablished. Before using tricin supplements long-term, consult a healthcare provider, as adequate safety monitoring studies have not been performed. ### What is the current state of scientific evidence supporting tricin's health claims? The scientific evidence for tricin is currently limited to laboratory and plant biology studies, with no human clinical trials completed to date. Antioxidant and anticancer properties have been suggested in laboratory reviews and in vitro studies, but these have not been verified in human subjects. Any health claims about tricin supplements should be considered preliminary until rigorous clinical research is conducted. ### How is tricin naturally produced in plants, and does this affect its supplement form? Tricin is a structural component of plant lignin, synthesized through plant biosynthesis pathways rather than existing as a free compound in abundance. This limited natural availability may affect how tricin supplements are manufactured and their similarity to naturally-occurring tricin in foods. The bioavailability and efficacy of extracted or synthesized tricin supplements compared to dietary sources remains unknown without human studies. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*