Patuletin (Flavonol · Anti-inflammatory · Antiviral)
| Compound | Patuletin (6-Methoxyquercetin; 6-Methoxy-3,5,7,3′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — Flavonol (quercetin 6-methoxy derivative) |
| CAS | 1169-23-9 |
| Primary source | Tagetes erecta (African marigold), Calendula officinalis, Artemisia spp. |
| Key applications | Anti-inflammatory; antiviral; antioxidant; wound-healing support |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Calendula flower extract powder; Marigold flower extract; standardised to total flavonoids ≥1% |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Calendula Flower Extract Powder - Calendula officinalis → Marigold Flower Extract Powder → |
Name origin: Patuletin takes its name from the obsolete taxonomic synonym Calendula patula for a marigold variety, reflecting its early isolation from Tagetes/Calendula flower extracts. It is quercetin's 6-methoxy derivative; the methoxy group at C-6 enhances lipophilicity relative to quercetin, improving membrane penetration. Traditional use: Calendula officinalis flowers have been used continuously in European herbal tradition for wound healing, skin inflammation, and gastrointestinal mucosal protection — uses codified in the German Commission E monograph and EMA community herbal monograph. Patuletin was identified as part of the flavonoid array responsible for these activities, alongside quercetin, isorhamnetin, and narcissin. Research trajectory: Research has characterised antiviral activity (particularly against RNA viruses), 5-LOX inhibition, and antiproliferative effects distinct from quercetin's profile. Commercial source: Patuletin is available from Herbuno via Calendula Flower Extract Powder and Marigold Flower Extract, both standardised botanical preparations from Calendula officinalis and Tagetes erecta.
Evidence for Patuletin Applications
Anti-inflammatory activity: Patuletin inhibits 5-lipoxygenase and COX-2 in cell-free and cellular assays, with IC₅₀ values competitive with quercetin. NF-κB pathway suppression reduces IL-1β and TNF-α in macrophage activation models. The 6-methoxy group may improve membrane partitioning, enhancing intracellular access. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiviral properties: Patuletin has demonstrated activity against herpes simplex virus, influenza A, and enteroviruses in cell-based assays, operating through envelope glycoprotein binding interference and RdRp inhibition at post-entry stages. Data remain in vitro; clinical translation requires confirmation. Claim strength: Emerging.
Antioxidant and wound-healing support: In the context of Calendula extract — with two RCTs demonstrating efficacy in radiation-induced dermatitis and post-surgical wound healing — patuletin contributes to the polyphenol matrix alongside quercetin, narcissin, and isorhamnetin. Attribution to patuletin specifically versus the whole extract is not established. Claim strength: Moderate (extract); Emerging (isolated).
Antiproliferative activity: Patuletin inhibits proliferation in several cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations, with selectivity patterns distinct from quercetin — particularly in cervical and colon cancer models, involving G2/M arrest and caspase-3/7 activation. Research is preclinical. Claim strength: Emerging.
Calendula Flower Extract Powder - Calendula officinalis →
Marigold Flower Extract Powder →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
No isolated patuletin clinical dosing data exist. Calendula extract is used at 200–400 mg/day in oral supplements for gut mucosal support, and at 1–5% extract in topical formulations for wound healing and dermatitis. Patuletin content in Calendula dry extract is typically 0.05–0.3% alongside total flavonoids of 0.5–2.0%.
For formulators targeting the full Calendula flavonoid spectrum — patuletin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, narcissin, and rutin — a standardised Calendula flower extract at ≥1% flavonoids is the practical specification. Individual patuletin standardisation is not yet commercially common; HPLC-quantified preparations are available on request.
Patuletin's higher lipophilicity versus quercetin makes it a candidate for lipid-based delivery (softgel, liposomal) at lower doses. Stability in aqueous systems is moderate; pH 4–6 favours retention of the methoxy group against demethylation under harsh alkaline conditions.
No significant drug interactions are documented for patuletin in isolation. Calendula preparations should be used cautiously in patients with Asteraceae allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions — Patuletin
How does patuletin differ from quercetin?
Patuletin is quercetin's 6-methoxy derivative — the hydroxyl at C-6 of quercetin's A-ring is methylated in patuletin. This increases lipophilicity and shifts enzyme inhibition selectivity (enhanced 5-LOX relative to COX-2) and antiviral activity profile compared to quercetin.
Which plants are the richest commercial sources of patuletin?
Tagetes erecta and Calendula officinalis flower petals are the primary commercially viable sources. Both are available as standardised extracts from Herbuno with full CoA documentation.
Is patuletin present in Herbuno's Calendula extract?
Yes — Calendula Flower Extract Powder and Marigold Flower Extract both contain the full Calendula flavonoid spectrum including patuletin alongside quercetin 3-glucoside, isorhamnetin, and narcissin.
What formulation categories are most suitable for Calendula-patuletin extracts?
Topical wound and dermatitis preparations (1–5% extract), oral gut mucosal support supplements (200–400 mg extract), and combination antioxidant formulas. Marigold extract also delivers lutein, making it dual-functional in eye health and antioxidant positioning.
Related compounds: Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Iso-orientin, Aromadendrin
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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