Apocynin

PhytochemicalPhenolic

What is it

Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone) is a small phenolic compound originally isolated from the roots of Apocynum cannabinum (Indian hemp dogbane) and Picrorhiza kurroa. It is widely used in laboratory research as an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, an enzyme that produces reactive oxygen species.

Evidence for 2 uses

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NADPH oxidase inhibition (research)

Mixed Evidence

Apocynin is a useful research tool for investigating oxidative stress in cells and animal models. Translation to human clinical benefit is not established.

Inflammation

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies in asthma, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration are encouraging, but human evidence is essentially absent.

How it works

Apocynin acts as a prodrug. In activated immune cells (especially neutrophils), it is oxidized by myeloperoxidase into a reactive dimer that interferes with the assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex. The result is reduced superoxide production in inflammatory cells, but only at sites of active inflammation where myeloperoxidase is present. In other cells without myeloperoxidase, apocynin can paradoxically act as an antioxidant or even as a pro-oxidant. In animal models, apocynin has shown anti-inflammatory effects in conditions such as asthma, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disease. Human clinical evidence is essentially limited to a few small pilot studies; apocynin is primarily a research tool, not an established therapeutic.

Dosage

No human dose has been established as safe and effective. Supplement use is rare and not based on robust trials. DSLD data are limited.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing is established.

1 commercial form

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

Apocynin powder

Sold mostly to research laboratories. Not commonly used as a consumer supplement.

Oral bioavailability is moderate; activation requires myeloperoxidase.

Safety

Human safety data are essentially absent. Animal studies suggest reasonable acute tolerability, but chronic effects in humans are unknown. Should not be considered a routine supplement.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in children. Apocynin should be considered an experimental compound, not a routine consumer supplement.

Interactions

No specific drug interactions are well documented in humans. Theoretical interactions with anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants exist but are not clinically described.

Frequently asked questions

Is apocynin safe to take?⌄

Human safety data are very limited. It should not be taken as a routine supplement without medical supervision.

Where does apocynin come from?⌄

It is found naturally in Apocynum cannabinum and Picrorhiza kurroa, and is also produced synthetically for research use.

Does apocynin treat any disease?⌄

No. It is an investigational compound studied in animal models. No human therapeutic indication has been approved.

References

Apocynin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Apocynin (ChEBI:2781) — ChEBI link

Apocynin (PubChem CID 2214) — PubChem link

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

Research on Apocynin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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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.