Butein

PhytochemicalChalcone

What is it

Butein is a chalcone flavonoid found in several plants including Toxicodendron vernicifluum (Korean lacquer tree), Dahlia species, and Butea monosperma (flame of the forest). It has been studied as a potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer compound.

How it works

Butein inhibits NF-kB signaling, STAT3 phosphorylation, and other inflammation-related pathways in laboratory studies, and has shown anti-proliferative activity in cancer cell lines. It also has reported sirtuin-activating and antioxidant effects. Human clinical data are limited.

Dosage

No standardized human dose. Supplements that contain butein typically supply it as part of plant extracts.

When and how to take it

No formal timing guidance.

1 commercial form

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

Plant extract

Supplied as plant extract; isolated butein supplements are uncommon.

Polyphenol absorption is generally low

Safety

Limited published human safety data. Some butein-containing plants (e.g., Toxicodendron) carry significant allergenic potential due to urushiol and related compounds.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Allergies to lacquer tree-related plants are a contraindication.

Interactions

Possible inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes based on preclinical work; clinical relevance is uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

What is butein?⌄

A chalcone flavonoid found in several traditional medicinal plants, studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.

Is it safe?⌄

Specific clinical data are limited. Source plants vary in allergenic potential.

References

Butein on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Butein (ChEBI:3237) — ChEBI link

Butein (PubChem CID 5281222) — PubChem link

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

Research on Butein (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Butein 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.