Vicenin-2 (Flavone Di-C-Glycoside · Radioprotective · Immunomodulatory)
| Compound | Vicenin-2 (6,8-Di-C-Glucosylapigenin; Apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside) |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — Flavone Di-C-Glycoside (apigenin glucosylated at both C-6 and C-8) |
| CAS | 4604-81-3 |
| Primary source | Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi/Holy Basil), Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile), Terminalia arjuna |
| Key applications | Radioprotective; immunomodulatory; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Tulsi Extract Powder (Ocimum sanctum); Chamomile Flower Extract Powder; C-glycosyl flavone fraction |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Tulsi Extract Powder - Ocimum Sanctum | Tulasi → Chamomile Flower Extract Powder → |
Name origin: Vicenin-2 is a member of the vicenin series of di-C-glycosylflavones; the numeral distinguishes regioisomers (vicenin-1 = 6-C-glc,8-C-ara; vicenin-2 = 6-C-glc,8-C-glc; vicenin-3 = 6-C-ara,8-C-glc). It is apigenin bearing glucose units at both C-6 and C-8 simultaneously. Traditional use: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) is one of the holiest plants in Hindu tradition and among the most studied adaptogens in Ayurvedic medicine — prescribed for stress, respiratory conditions, immune weakness, and longevity. Modern investigation identified vicenin-2 as one of Tulsi's characteristic C-glycosyl flavones alongside orientin, isovitexin, and vitexin. Its radioprotective activity draws from Tulsi's traditional association with protection against environmental toxins. Research trajectory: Vicenin-2 has attracted focused research attention for radioprotection — one of the most unusual and commercially relevant positioning angles for a plant flavone — with multiple studies demonstrating DNA damage mitigation and survival benefit in radiation-exposed murine models. Commercial source: Vicenin-2 is available from Herbuno via Tulsi Extract Powder (Ocimum sanctum) and Chamomile Flower Extract Powder.
Evidence for Vicenin-2 Applications
Radioprotective activity: Vicenin-2 is one of the best-characterised plant flavonoids for radioprotection. In whole-body gamma-radiation murine models (6–9 Gy), pre-treatment at 100–200 mg/kg significantly improves 30-day survival, reduces chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells, and attenuates radiation-induced gastrointestinal crypt cell loss. Mechanism involves free radical scavenging, suppression of NF-κB and p53 pathway activation, and stimulation of bone marrow progenitor recovery. Claim strength: Moderate.
Immunomodulatory activity: Vicenin-2 modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses — stimulating NK cell activity, macrophage phagocytosis, and IFN-γ production while modulating Th1/Th2 balance. In the context of Tulsi extract — with multiple small RCTs demonstrating immune parameter improvement in stressed individuals — vicenin-2 is a key mechanistic contributor. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antioxidant: As a di-C-glucoside, vicenin-2 is highly water-soluble and stable across a wide pH range. Its dual glucosyl substitution at C-6 and C-8 creates a sterically hindered apigenin chromophore with maintained DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. The C-C glycosidic bonds resist hydrolysis, ensuring plasma stability. Claim strength: Moderate.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic: NF-κB inhibition, COX-2 suppression, and AMPK activation have been documented in relevant cell models. GLUT4 upregulation parallels the activity of other C-glucosyl flavones (iso-orientin, vitexin). Tulsi extract RCTs for metabolic endpoints provide indirect clinical context. Claim strength: Moderate.
Tulsi Extract Powder - Ocimum Sanctum | Tulasi →
Chamomile Flower Extract Powder →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
No isolated vicenin-2 human dosing data exist. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) preparations studied in clinical settings use 300–600 mg/day standardised extract or 2–3 g/day dried leaf equivalent over 4–12 week periods. Vicenin-2 content in Tulsi extract varies by standardisation; C-glycosyl flavone standardisation (vicenin-2 + orientin + isovitexin) is available for research-grade preparations.
Tulsi extract is highly compatible with solid dosage (capsule, tablet), functional tea, and liquid extract formats. The herb's intrinsic safety profile is excellent — Tulsi is a culinary herb across South Asian cooking traditions. Chamomile flower extract is similarly GRAS-equivalent and widely formulated in sleep, stress, and digestive products.
Tulsi preparations have mild blood-glucose-lowering activity; monitor in patients on antidiabetic medication. No significant drug interactions are documented for vicenin-2 specifically.
For radioprotective applications, vicenin-2's evidence base is strongest at pre-treatment doses in rodent models; responsible communication of this data requires stating preclinical evidence status clearly in claims language.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vicenin-2
Why does vicenin-2 have two sugar units instead of one?
Vicenin-2 is a di-C-glycoside — apigenin glucosylated at both C-6 and C-8 simultaneously. This dual C-glucosylation is unusual (most flavone glycosides carry a single sugar) and confers high water solubility, exceptional acid hydrolysis resistance (both are C-C bonds), and modified enzyme interactions versus mono-C-glycosides like vitexin or isovitexin.
What is the radioprotective mechanism of vicenin-2 in detail?
Ionising radiation generates hydroxyl radicals that cause DNA strand breaks and lipid peroxidation. Vicenin-2 operates at multiple points: direct hydroxyl radical scavenging (~10¹⁰ M⁻¹s⁻¹), suppression of NF-κB-mediated pro-apoptotic signalling in irradiated cells, attenuation of radiation-induced p53-dependent apoptosis in bone marrow progenitors, and stimulation of haematopoietic recovery.
Which Tulsi species are best for vicenin-2 content?
Ocimum sanctum (Rama Tulsi and Vana Tulsi varieties) and Ocimum tenuiflorum are the primary commercial species. Vicenin-2 content varies by chemotype and growing conditions; studies showing radioprotective activity have primarily used O. sanctum leaf extracts.
Can vicenin-2 be positioned in combination with adaptogen formulas?
Yes — Tulsi extract fits naturally into adaptogen stacks (ashwagandha, brahmi, shilajit, ginseng) for stress, cognitive, and immune resilience positioning. Vicenin-2 contributes to the immunomodulatory and antioxidant mechanisms of such formulas; its radioprotective data provides a differentiated angle for occupational health and longevity product segments.
Related compounds: Iso-orientin, Vitexin, Orientin, Isovitexin
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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