Amentoflavone

PhytochemicalBiflavonoid

What is it

Amentoflavone is a biflavonoid (a flavonoid dimer) found in St. John's wort, Ginkgo biloba, Selaginella moellendorffii, and a number of other plants. It is studied for its various pharmacological activities in laboratory settings.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Anxiety and inflammation (research stage)

Mixed Evidence

Animal and cell studies suggest anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory activity. Direct human clinical evidence for isolated amentoflavone is essentially absent.

How it works

Amentoflavone interacts with multiple receptor systems in laboratory studies, including benzodiazepine receptors, cannabinoid receptors, and various enzymes including PDE3 and cytochrome P450 enzymes. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anxiolytic activity in animal studies. It is also a contributor to some of the drug interactions reported with St. John's wort, although hyperforin and hypericin are the more notable culprits there. Direct human clinical evidence for isolated amentoflavone is limited.

Dosage

There is no established standalone dose. Most exposure comes from amentoflavone-containing herbal extracts.

When and how to take it

Most consumption is through herbal supplements. Follow source product label.

1 commercial form

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

Amentoflavone (in herbal extracts)

Found in St. John's wort, Selaginella, and other extracts.

Variable oral absorption

Safety

Amentoflavone in foods and traditional herbal use is generally considered well-tolerated. Concentrated extracts may have CYP enzyme effects that warrant caution.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data on isolated extract. People on prescription medications should discuss with their clinician.

Interactions

Amentoflavone can inhibit several cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially affecting drug metabolism. Concentrated extracts could theoretically interact with prescription medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is amentoflavone the same as St. John's wort?⌄

Amentoflavone is one of many compounds in St. John's wort. The herb also contains hyperforin and hypericin, which are more potent.

Does amentoflavone have drug interactions?⌄

It can inhibit several CYP enzymes in laboratory studies. Concentrated supplements could theoretically affect drug metabolism.

References

Amentoflavone on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Amentoflavone (ChEBI:2631) — ChEBI link

Amentoflavone (PubChem CID 5281600) — PubChem link

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

Research on Amentoflavone (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Amentoflavone 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.