# Vicenin-2 (Flavone C-glycoside)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/vicenin-2
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** Apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside, 6,8-Di-C-glucosylapigenin, Vicenin II, Tulsi flavone, Holy basil C-glycoside, Nettle flavonoid

## Overview

Vicenin-2 is a flavone C-glycoside compound found in certain plants that exhibits anti-cancer properties through apoptosis induction. This bioactive flavonoid demonstrates selective cytotoxicity against colon and prostate cancer cells by targeting multiple cellular pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-cancer effects: Inhibited colon cancer cell growth (50 µM IC50) and induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells (preliminary evidence from cell studies)
• Prostate cancer suppression: Reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in PC-3 and DU145 cell lines and mouse xenografts (preliminary animal evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity: Demonstrated reduction in hyperpermeability, CAM expression, and leukocyte adhesion (preliminary evidence)
• Anti-diabetic potential: Showed α-glucosidase and PTP1B inhibition in preliminary studies
• Radiosensitization effects: Enhanced radiation therapy effects via PTEN/PI3KCA modulation (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Vicenin-2 induces apoptosis in cancer cells through [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) pathway activation and caspase cascade stimulation. The compound inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF signaling and reduces tumor cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle regulatory proteins. Its flavone structure allows interaction with multiple molecular targets involved in cancer progression.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for vicenin-2 comes primarily from in vitro cell studies and animal xenograft models. Cell studies showed 50 µM IC50 against HT-29 colon cancer cells and apoptosis induction. Mouse xenograft studies demonstrated tumor growth reduction in PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer models. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing.

## Nutritional Profile

Vicenin-2 (apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside) is a flavone C-glycoside with molecular formula C27H30O15 and molecular weight 594.52 g/mol. It is not a macronutrient source and does not contribute calories, protein, fat, or fiber in physiologically relevant amounts. As a bioactive polyphenolic compound, it is found naturally in various plant sources including: Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) at approximately 0.5–2.0 mg/g dry weight, Cyclopia subternata (honeybush tea) at roughly 1.0–4.5 mg/g dry weight, Dendrobium officinale at approximately 0.3–1.5 mg/g dry weight, mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata) at approximately 0.1–0.8 mg/g dry weight, and in lesser concentrations in fenugreek, chamomile, and passionflower. Unlike flavone O-glycosides, the C-glycosidic bond in vicenin-2 is resistant to hydrolysis by mammalian β-glucosidases and most gut microbial enzymes, resulting in the compound being absorbed largely intact. Oral bioavailability is generally considered low to moderate (estimated <10–15% in rodent models), with absorption occurring primarily in the small intestine via passive diffusion and possibly sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1)-mediated pathways. Peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) are typically reached within 1–3 hours post-ingestion. The compound exhibits strong antioxidant capacity (ORAC values comparable to other apigenin glycosides), with notable [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing of superoxide, hydroxyl, and DPPH radicals (IC50 values in the range of 20–80 µM depending on assay). It contains no vitamins or minerals intrinsically but co-occurs in plant matrices alongside vitamin C, B-vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. The C-glycoside linkage confers greater metabolic stability and a longer plasma half-life (estimated 4–8 hours) compared to corresponding O-glycosides such as apigenin-7-O-glucoside. No significant interactions with major drug-metabolizing enzymes (CYP450 family) have been reported at dietary intake levels, though in vitro data suggest mild inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 at high concentrations (>100 µM). Typical dietary intake from food sources is estimated at 1–10 mg/day depending on consumption patterns of source plants.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Preclinical studies used 50 µM concentrations in cell cultures and oral administration achieving 2.6±0.3 µmol/L serum levels in mice. No standardized extract forms or human dosing data are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for vicenin-2 supplementation in humans is currently unavailable due to lack of clinical studies. Potential interactions with chemotherapy drugs or blood thinners remain unknown and require investigation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers should exercise caution due to unknown effects on hormonal pathways.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Vicenin-2. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies including in vitro cell lines and animal models (PMID: 29849451, 21803027). In prostate cancer xenograft models, oral Vicenin-2 achieved serum levels of 2.6 µmol/L and showed synergistic effects with docetaxel chemotherapy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Vicenin-2 is found in Ocimum sanctum (holy basil/Tulsi), traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for radioprotection and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes. It was also isolated from Urtica circularis, aligning with nettle's folk use for inflammation, though specific historical use of the isolated compound is not documented.

## Synergistic Combinations

Docetaxel, Other flavonoids, Holy basil extract, [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) compounds, [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the IC50 value of vicenin-2 against cancer cells?

Vicenin-2 shows an IC50 of 50 µM against HT-29 colon cancer cells in laboratory studies. This concentration represents the dose needed to inhibit 50% of cancer cell growth in controlled conditions.

### Which cancer types respond to vicenin-2 treatment?

Research shows vicenin-2 effectiveness against colon cancer (HT-29 cells) and prostate cancer (PC-3 and DU145 cell lines). Animal studies confirm tumor growth suppression in prostate cancer xenograft models.

### How does vicenin-2 kill cancer cells?

Vicenin-2 induces apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway activation and caspase enzyme stimulation. It also inhibits angiogenesis by blocking VEGF signaling pathways that tumors need for blood vessel formation.

### Are there any human studies on vicenin-2?

No human clinical trials have been conducted with vicenin-2. Current evidence comes only from cell culture experiments and mouse studies, limiting conclusions about human therapeutic potential.

### What foods contain vicenin-2 naturally?

Vicenin-2 is found in certain plants as a flavone C-glycoside compound, though specific food sources and concentrations vary. Natural dietary intake levels are typically much lower than concentrations used in research studies.

### What is the difference between vicenin-2 and other flavone C-glycosides in supplements?

Vicenin-2 is a flavone C-glycoside characterized by its unique C-linked glucose attachment, which distinguishes it structurally from O-glycosidic flavonoids that are more common in supplements. This C-glycosidic bond makes vicenin-2 more resistant to intestinal degradation compared to typical flavonoids, potentially allowing better absorption and bioavailability. Other flavone C-glycosides like vitexin and isoorientin have similar structural advantages but differ in their specific hydroxylation patterns and biological activity profiles.

### Does vicenin-2 have anti-inflammatory effects beyond cancer research?

Yes, vicenin-2 demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity by reducing vascular hyperpermeability and decreasing cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression, which are key markers of inflammatory responses. These mechanisms suggest potential benefits for conditions involving endothelial barrier dysfunction and excessive immune cell infiltration, though human clinical studies are lacking. Current evidence is limited to cell-based and preliminary in vitro studies, so therapeutic applications for inflammation remain investigational.

### Is vicenin-2 bioavailability affected by food preparation or cooking methods?

Since vicenin-2 is a heat-stable C-glycoside flavonoid, standard cooking methods are unlikely to significantly degrade it compared to O-linked flavonoids, though this has not been extensively studied for this specific compound. The C-glycosidic bond provides structural resistance to enzymatic breakdown, which may preserve bioavailability during food processing. However, specific research on how preparation temperature, cooking duration, or food matrices affect vicenin-2 absorption in humans remains unavailable.

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