# Wogonin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/wogonin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one, Wogonin flavone, Huang Qin flavonoid, Scutellaria flavone, Baicalin aglycone derivative

## Overview

Wogonin is a naturally occurring flavone derived primarily from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) that exerts anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of ER stress pathways, p53 activation, and HIF-1α degradation. Its bioactivity is driven by inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as suppression of tumor angiogenesis in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-cancer effects: Induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) through ER stress and p53 activation, inhibits tumor angiogenesis via HIF-1α degradation (preclinical evidence only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity: Reduces IL-6 and TNF-α in rat models of chronic rhinosinusitis at 10-20 mg/kg doses (animal studies)
• Chemosensitization: Shows synergistic effects with chemotherapeutics like etoposide and paclitaxel in preclinical models
• Cell cycle regulation: Causes G2/M phase arrest and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) through PI3K/AKT and STAT3 pathway modulation (in vitro studies)
• Selective CDK9 inhibition: Directly binds CDK9 to suppress cancer cell growth more selectively in malignant than normal cells (preclinical data)

## Mechanism of Action

Wogonin induces apoptosis in cancer cells by triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activating the tumor suppressor protein p53, which upregulates pro-apoptotic signals such as Bax and caspase-3. It suppresses tumor angiogenesis by promoting proteasomal degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), thereby reducing VEGF expression in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity is mediated through inhibition of NF-κB signaling, which downstream reduces transcription of IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 in activated macrophages and epithelial cells.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence for wogonin derives from in vitro cell studies and rodent models, including rat models of chronic rhinosinusitis where oral doses of 10–20 mg/kg reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels significantly compared to controls. Anticancer data in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells demonstrates dose-dependent apoptosis induction, but these findings have not been replicated in human clinical trials. No large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in human subjects have been published for wogonin as an isolated compound. Current evidence must be characterized as preliminary and preclinical, and direct therapeutic claims in humans are not yet supported.

## Nutritional Profile

Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is a naturally occurring monoflavonoid compound, not a conventional food ingredient with macronutrients or micronutrients. It is a pure bioactive compound typically isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) and related plants.

Bioactive compound identity:
- Molecular formula: C16H12O5
- Molecular weight: 284.26 g/mol
- Classification: O-methylated flavone (flavonoid subclass)
- Typical concentration in Scutellaria baicalensis root: 0.5–2% dry weight
- It contains no meaningful macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), or caloric value in pharmacologically relevant doses

Approximate concentrations in source material:
- Scutellaria baicalensis root extract: ~1–20 mg/g dry extract depending on preparation
- Commercially standardized extracts: typically 95–98% purity in isolated form

Bioavailability notes:
- Poor oral bioavailability due to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and low aqueous solubility (log P ~2.6)
- Undergoes glucuronidation and sulfation in the intestine and liver
- Peak plasma concentration (Tmax) reached at approximately 1–2 hours post oral administration in animal models
- Bioavailability enhanced by nanoparticle formulations, lipid-based drug delivery systems, and co-administration with piperine
- Rapidly metabolized to wogonin-7-O-glucuronide as primary circulating metabolite
- Half-life approximately 2–4 hours in rodent models; human pharmacokinetic data limited

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist due to absence of human trials. Preclinical studies used 10-20 mg/kg intraperitoneally in rats and 50-100 μM concentrations in cell culture studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Wogonin has shown a generally favorable safety profile in animal studies at doses up to 50 mg/kg, but human safety data are extremely limited given the absence of clinical trials using isolated wogonin. Because wogonin inhibits CYP450 enzymes, particularly CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, it may increase plasma concentrations of co-administered drugs metabolized by these pathways, including certain statins, anticoagulants, and benzodiazepines. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid wogonin supplementation due to insufficient safety data and theoretical teratogenic risks observed in early animal studies. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin should exercise caution, as flavone compounds can potentiate bleeding risk.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on wogonin to date. All evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, with researchers explicitly calling for future clinical translation due to promising antitumor, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects observed in laboratory settings.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Wogonin is derived from Scutellaria baicalensis roots, which have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to inhibit tumor growth and reduce inflammation. While specific historical use of isolated wogonin is not detailed, the parent plant has longstanding attribution to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anticancer benefits in TCM contexts.

## Synergistic Combinations

Etoposide, Paclitaxel, Other flavonoids, Scutellaria baicalensis whole extract, [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) compounds

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is wogonin and where does it come from?

Wogonin (5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone) is a monoflavone compound isolated predominantly from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly called Chinese skullcap or Huang Qin, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It is also found in smaller concentrations in Scutellaria rivularis and Scutellaria barbata, and is structurally distinct from its related flavone baicalein by a single methoxy group at the C-8 position.

### Can wogonin kill cancer cells?

In preclinical laboratory studies, wogonin has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) by activating ER stress responses and upregulating p53, leading to caspase-3 cleavage and programmed cell death. It also inhibits angiogenesis by degrading HIF-1α, which reduces VEGF expression. However, all anticancer evidence remains preclinical, and no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects.

### What is the recommended dosage of wogonin?

No clinically validated human dosage for isolated wogonin has been established, as human pharmacokinetic and dose-finding trials are lacking. Animal studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects used doses of 10–20 mg/kg body weight in rats, which does not translate directly to human equivalent doses without further research. Supplements containing Scutellaria baicalensis extract, which includes wogonin among other flavones, are sometimes dosed at 400–600 mg of standardized extract, but specific wogonin content and optimal intake remain undefined.

### Does wogonin interact with any medications?

Wogonin has been shown in vitro to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which are responsible for metabolizing a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs including warfarin, certain statins like simvastatin, benzodiazepines, and some chemotherapy agents. Inhibition of these enzymes can elevate drug plasma levels, increasing the risk of toxicity or adverse effects. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using wogonin-containing supplements.

### Is wogonin safe during pregnancy?

Wogonin is not considered safe during pregnancy based on current evidence, as early animal studies have raised concerns about potential teratogenic effects at pharmacological doses. Human safety data during pregnancy are entirely absent, and the general precautionary principle for bioactive flavones applies. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid isolated wogonin supplements until adequate human safety data are available.

### What does the current research show about wogonin's effectiveness in human studies?

Most evidence for wogonin comes from laboratory and animal studies, particularly in colorectal cancer cell lines and rat models of inflammation. While preclinical data shows promise for apoptosis induction and anti-inflammatory effects, human clinical trials remain limited, making it difficult to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in people. The gap between animal research and human application means wogonin should be considered investigational rather than proven for therapeutic use.

### How does wogonin work synergistically with chemotherapy drugs?

Wogonin appears to enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic agents through chemosensitization, potentially making cancer cells more responsive to treatment. This synergistic effect may occur through multiple pathways including ER stress induction and suppression of drug resistance mechanisms, though specific mechanisms vary by chemotherapy type. Anyone considering wogonin alongside cancer treatment must consult their oncologist, as combining supplements with chemotherapy carries significant interaction risks.

### Who should avoid taking wogonin, and are there specific health conditions to consider?

Individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, those undergoing chemotherapy, and people with bleeding disorders should avoid wogonin without medical supervision due to potential interactions with treatment and anticoagulant effects observed in some studies. Patients with liver disease should exercise caution, as wogonin metabolism occurs hepatically and safety data in compromised liver function is unavailable. Anyone with estrogen-dependent conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, given wogonin's estrogenic activity in some research contexts.

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