Laricitrin (Flavonol · Antioxidant · Neuroprotective)

Compound	Laricitrin (3′-Methoxymyricetin; Myricetin 3′-methyl ether)
Chemical class	Polyphenol — Flavonol (myricetin methylation series; intermediate between myricetin and syringetin)
CAS	603-61-2
Primary source	Vitis vinifera (grape skin/seeds), Larix spp. (larch bark), Betula spp.
Key applications	Antioxidant; neuroprotective; anti-inflammatory; cardiovascular support
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Grape Leaf Extract Powder; Black Grapes Powder; red grape skin extract standardised to total polyphenols
Buy from Herbuno	Grape Leaf Extract Powder → Black Grapes Powder - Vitis vinifera →

Name origin: Laricitrin is named after Larix (larch) — specifically Larix decidua and related species from whose bark it was first characterised — though Vitis vinifera grape skin is now the most commercially relevant source. It is the 3′-methoxy derivative of myricetin and an intermediate between myricetin (fully hydroxylated B-ring) and syringetin (3′,5′-dimethoxy) in the methylation series. Traditional use: Grape vine (Vitis vinifera) preparations — including grape leaf extract and grape seed extract — have extensive documented use in European phytotherapy for venous insufficiency, peripheral oedema, and antioxidant support, codified in the EMA's Vitis vinifera leaf monograph. Research trajectory: Laricitrin has been studied as part of the myricetin methylation series, with research examining how progressive B-ring methoxylation modulates enzyme inhibition selectivity, bioavailability, and neurotrophic activity. Commercial source: Laricitrin is available from Herbuno via Grape Leaf Extract Powder and Black Grapes Powder, both delivering the full grape polyphenol spectrum.

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Evidence for Laricitrin Applications

Antioxidant activity: Laricitrin's B-ring retains four hydroxyl/methoxy substituents, maintaining good radical scavenging activity. In Folin-Ciocalteu and ORAC assays, laricitrin performs comparably to myricetin but with modestly enhanced lipid solubility due to the 3′-methoxy group. Grape skin preparations containing laricitrin consistently demonstrate high total antioxidant capacity. Claim strength: Moderate.

Neuroprotective activity: Laricitrin has shown BDNF-stimulating activity in neuronal cell models — promoting neurite outgrowth and protecting against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. Myricetin methylation derivatives as a class show promising neurotrophin-modulating activity not shared equally by unmethylated parent compounds. Preclinical data only. Claim strength: Emerging.

Anti-inflammatory: 5-LOX and COX-2 inhibition are documented in vitro at 10–50 μM concentrations. NF-κB pathway suppression and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation have been characterised for laricitrin alongside myricetin in comparative studies. Claim strength: Moderate.

Cardiovascular support: In the context of grape skin extract — with moderate RCT evidence for endothelial function and platelet aggregation via resveratrol, OPC, and flavonol mechanisms — laricitrin contributes to the total flavonoid activity. EMA-recognised evidence for CVI exists for Vitis vinifera leaf extract. Claim strength: Moderate (extract); Emerging (isolated).

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Dosage & Formulator Specification

No isolated laricitrin clinical dosing data exist. Vitis vinifera preparations studied for vascular endpoints use 100–400 mg/day standardised extract. Laricitrin content in grape skin extract is typically 0.05–0.2% dry weight, with myricetin-class flavonols representing a minor fraction of the total OPC/flavonoid profile.

For formulators targeting laricitrin as part of the grape polyphenol matrix, work with red/black grape skin extract standardised to total polyphenols (≥30%) or OPC (≥80%). The full myricetin derivative spectrum (myricetin, laricitrin, syringetin) is co-delivered in red grape extracts, providing complementary antioxidant mechanisms.

Grape extracts are compatible with solid dosage (capsule, tablet, gummy), functional food, and beverage applications. Deep colour is an advantage in fruit-positioned products; microencapsulation is available for colour-sensitive formulations. Shelf stability is good under nitrogen-flush packaging.

No significant drug interactions are documented for laricitrin specifically. Grape seed OPC preparations have weak antiplatelet activity; monitor with anticoagulant medications.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Laricitrin

How does laricitrin fit into the myricetin methylation series?
Myricetin has a fully hydroxylated B-ring (3′,4′,5′-trihydroxy). Progressive methylation gives laricitrin (3′-methoxy), then syringetin (3′,5′-dimethoxy), then tricin (3′,4′,5′-trimethoxy, a common grass flavone). Each methylation step increases lipophilicity and typically extends plasma half-life by reducing glucuronidation susceptibility at the methylated position.

What is the larch source of laricitrin and is it commercially available?
Larix bark contains laricitrin alongside taxifolin. Commercial Siberian larch extract is standardised primarily to taxifolin; laricitrin is a minor constituent. For commercial laricitrin supply, grape-sourced preparations are more practical.

Can laricitrin be co-formulated with resveratrol from the same grape extract?
Yes — red/black grape skin extract naturally co-delivers laricitrin, resveratrol, anthocyanins, and OPC oligomers, positioning naturally for comprehensive cardiovascular antioxidant formulations.

Is laricitrin relevant to wine polyphenol research?
Laricitrin is a documented red wine flavonol used in authenticity and geographic origin analysis alongside myricetin, syringetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Its presence distinguishes Vitis-derived preparations from other polyphenol sources.

Related compounds: Myricetin, Syringetin, Isorhamnetin-3-Glucoside, Aromadendrin

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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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