Acacetin

PhytochemicalFlavonoid

What is it

Acacetin (4'-methoxy-5,7-dihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid found in damiana (Turnera diffusa), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and several other plants. It is studied for cardiac, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Atrial fibrillation (preclinical drug development target)

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical activity on atrial ion channels has generated drug-development interest, but no human evidence supports supplement use for arrhythmia.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

Mixed Evidence

Preclinical evidence only; no clinical trial data on isolated acacetin.

How it works

Acacetin shows multiple preclinical activities: selective inhibition of atrial-specific potassium channels (IKur, IKACh) relevant to atrial fibrillation, modulation of inflammation pathways (NF-kB inhibition), and antioxidant effects. Most data are from in-vitro and animal studies. The atrial-selective ion channel effects have generated interest in acacetin as a template for anti-atrial-fibrillation drug development, but acacetin itself has poor oral bioavailability that has limited human pharmaceutical use. As a supplement, acacetin is rarely sold as an isolated ingredient. It is more commonly present in damiana, black locust, or other botanical extracts as one of several flavonoids.

Dosage

No established supplement dose. Isolated acacetin is rarely sold standalone. In botanical sources, acacetin content varies considerably.

When and how to take it

Typically present as one component of botanical extracts; follow product-specific guidance.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Acacetin in botanical extracts

Present in damiana, black locust, and other herbs.

Low oral bioavailability.

Safety

Limited human safety data. Generally considered low risk at typical food-level exposure from herbs. High-dose isolated acacetin pharmacology has not been characterized in humans.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insufficient data; avoid concentrated extracts. Cardiac arrhythmia patients should not self-treat with acacetin or acacetin-containing supplements.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antiarrhythmic medications, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants based on preclinical activity. Clinical interactions are not well characterized.

Food sources

Damiana leaf (Turnera diffusa)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Black locust flowers (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can acacetin treat atrial fibrillation?⌄

No. While preclinical research shows interest for drug development, acacetin supplements have not been shown to treat atrial fibrillation. Cardiac arrhythmias require medical evaluation.

Where does acacetin come from?⌄

It is naturally present in many plants, including damiana, black locust, and chrysanthemum species.

References

Acacetin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Acacetin (ChEBI:15335) — ChEBI link

Acacetin (PubChem CID 5280442) — PubChem link

Acacetin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Acacetin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Acacetin with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.