Acacetin

A flavone compound found in various plants

Chemical Compound
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider ID
UNII
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Properties
Chemical Formula
Molar Mass
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Hazards
GHS Pictograms	[[File:|50px]]
GHS Signal Word
GHS Hazard Statements
NFPA 704	[[File:|50px]]
References

Acacetin is a naturally occurring flavone found in various plant species. It is known for its potential biological activity and is studied for its effects on human health.

Structure and Properties

Acacetin is a type of flavonoid, specifically a flavone, characterized by its chemical structure which includes a phenyl group attached to a chromen-4-one backbone. The molecular formula of acacetin is C₁₆H₁₂O₅, and it has a molecular weight of 284.26 g/mol.

Occurrence

Acacetin is found in several plant species, including Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust) and Turnera diffusa (damiana). It is often present in the leaves and flowers of these plants.

Biological Activity

Acacetin has been studied for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It is believed to exert these effects by modulating various cellular pathways and enzyme activities.

Antioxidant Properties

As an antioxidant, acacetin can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in cells. This activity is important in protecting cells from damage and may contribute to its potential health benefits.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Acacetin has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce inflammation in various in vitro and in vivo models. This makes it a compound of interest in the study of inflammatory diseases.

Anticancer Potential

Research suggests that acacetin may have anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibiting their proliferation. It has been studied in the context of various types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Synthesis

Acacetin can be synthesized through various chemical methods, often involving the hydroxylation of flavone precursors. These synthetic methods are important for producing acacetin in sufficient quantities for research and potential therapeutic use.

Uses

While acacetin is primarily of interest in research settings, it is also explored for its potential use in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Its natural occurrence in plants also makes it a component of some traditional herbal remedies.

Related Pages

• Flavonoid
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cancer research

Gallery

• 

  Skeletal formula of acacetin

• 

  Ball-and-stick model of acacetin

Acacetin

• 

  Acacetin chemical structure

• 

  Acacetin molecule ball-and-stick model