Axillarin

Axillarin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in various plant species. It is a flavonol glycoside, specifically a 6-hydroxykaempferol derivative. The specific glycosidic attachment can vary, but it is often found as the 3-O-glucoside or 3-O-rutinoside.

Axillarin exhibits a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo studies. Research suggests its potential therapeutic applications in areas such as cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans.

The isolation and identification of axillarin are typically achieved through chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectroscopic methods like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS).

The presence of axillarin can be a valuable chemotaxonomic marker for identifying certain plant species and genera. The concentration of axillarin in a plant can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, developmental stage, and genetic factors.