Penduletin

A detailed overview of the flavonoid compound Penduletin

Penduletin is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound, specifically a type of flavone, which is found in various plant species. It is known for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Penduletin is structurally characterized by the presence of a methoxy group at the 6-position of the flavone backbone, distinguishing it from other similar compounds such as apigenin.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Penduletin has the IUPAC name 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one. Its molecular formula is C₁₆H₁₂O₇, and it has a molar mass of 316.26 g/mol. The compound is characterized by a chromen-4-one backbone with hydroxyl groups at the 3, 5, and 7 positions, a methoxy group at the 6 position, and a 4-hydroxyphenyl group at the 2 position.

Sources and Occurrence

Penduletin is found in various plant species, particularly in those belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is often isolated from the leaves, stems, or flowers of these plants. The presence of penduletin in plants is thought to contribute to their defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens due to its bioactive properties.

Biological Activities

Penduletin has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include:

Antioxidant Activity: Penduletin exhibits significant antioxidant activity, which helps in neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in biological systems. This property is attributed to its ability to donate hydrogen atoms from its hydroxyl groups.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Studies have shown that penduletin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, thereby reducing inflammation.

Anticancer Potential: Penduletin has demonstrated cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines in vitro. It is believed to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation by modulating signaling pathways involved in cell cycle regulation.

Research and Applications

Research on penduletin is ongoing, with studies focusing on its potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Its role as a natural antioxidant also makes it a candidate for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Also see

• Flavonoid
• Antioxidant
• Apigenin
• Chrysin
• Luteolin

External links

• Penduletin on PubChem
• Penduletin research articles on PubMed