Pinocembrin
Also known as: Pinocembrin, 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone
Overview
Pinocembrin, or 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone, is a flavonoid primarily derived from various plants, fungi, and bee products such as honey and propolis. This compound has garnered interest due to its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anticancer activities. Despite the promising properties exhibited in preclinical studies, most research is currently limited to in vitro or animal models, with a need for more clinical trials in humans to substantiate these claims. The moderate quality of available evidence suggests various health benefits, particularly regarding oxidative stress and inflammation reduction, although definitive conclusions cannot be drawn until further studies are conducted.
Benefits
Pinocembrin has several evidence-based benefits, notably its capability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which may prove advantageous for cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. For instance, preclinical research indicates that it can mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity while preserving the chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin itself. Although its neuroprotective and antimicrobial properties are less explored, they may offer additional health benefits. Specific populations, especially those at risk for cardiovascular diseases or undergoing chemotherapy, could benefit most from pinocembrin. However, effect sizes in human studies are not thoroughly documented; thus, further investigations are necessary to clarify its clinical significance.
How it works
Pinocembrin exerts its effects primarily through antioxidant mechanisms, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing mitochondrial function, thus protecting against oxidative damage. It also possesses anti-inflammatory actions by modulating cytokine production. Interaction with cardiovascular and central nervous systems is observed, providing protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Although specific molecular targets are not completely established, pinocembrin appears to enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decrease apoptosis rates, contributing to its potential health benefits.
Side effects
Pinocembrin is generally considered safe based on current preclinical studies; however, human safety data remain limited. Common side effects are not well-documented, largely attributed to the absence of extensive human trials. Potential gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions are noted but are not definitively reported. Rare side effects remain unknown due to the lack of sufficient human data. There could be interactions with other antioxidants or medications metabolized through similar pathways, but evidence remains scarce. Additionally, caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding populations due to the insufficient data available. Pediatric populations should also approach pinocembrin use with care due to limited safety evaluations.
Dosage
Establishing a definitive dosage for pinocembrin in humans is challenging due to insufficient clinical research. Preclinical studies frequently utilize concentrations within the micromolar range, but these do not translate directly to human dosages. Thus, optimal dosages remain unknown and warrant further study. The maximum safe dose is also not established at this time. No specific timing recommendations exist for administration, nor have particular forms (e.g., extracts, capsules) been favored, and absorption may be influenced by dietary factors and gut microbiota, similar to other flavonoids. Currently, no cofactors are established as necessary for the absorption or efficacy of pinocembrin.
FAQs
Is pinocembrin available as a supplement?
Pinocembrin is not widely available as a supplemental form, and its use should be cautious owing to limited human data.
What is pinocembrin's safety profile?
Generally considered safe, pinocembrin's safety in humans is not well-established, requiring more research.
Are there specific timing recommendations for pinocembrin?
No specific timing guidelines are available for pinocembrin administration currently.
What benefits can I expect from pinocembrin?
Potential benefits include reduced oxidative stress and inflammation; however, these are based on preclinical data and require further validation.
Is pinocembrin a proven treatment for any condition?
Pinocembrin is not a proven treatment for any condition in humans; more research is necessary to establish its efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.01172/full – This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of pinocembrin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, demonstrating that it mitigates the cardiotoxic effects while preserving the drug's therapeutic efficacy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36481404/ – This review outlines the pharmacological activities of pinocembrin, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, while emphasizing the necessity for more clinical research to validate its therapeutic potential.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03545 – A pertinent consideration of molecular interactions involving pinocembrin is summarized, although specific conclusive evidence regarding human outcomes is not presented.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23984355/ – Assessing pinocembrin's biological activities, this article covers various mechanisms of action, though it notes the shortage of clinical trials for comprehensive safety and efficacy conclusions.
- https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/jn.00517.2021 – The study emphasizes the need for robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to properly evaluate the benefits and risks associated with pinocembrin and to establish evidence-based recommendations.
