chrysin

Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid (specifically a dihydroxyflavone) found in various plants such as passion flower (*Passiflora caerulea*, *Passiflora incarnata*), honey, propolis (bee glue), and some mushrooms. It has been marketed as an ingredient in dietary supplements and topical products for purported benefits including anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant activity, anticancer potential, anxiolytic effects via central benzodiazepine receptor binding, and possible aromatase inhibition. However, clinical evidence supporting these uses is lacking. Chrysin exhibits low oral bioavailability due to poor absorption and rapid metabolism/excretion in humans. Mechanistically it has been shown in vitro to inhibit COX-2 gene expression and PGE2 production (anti-inflammatory), suppress MMP-9 expression via JNK/ERK/AP-1 pathways (anticancer), modulate HIF-1α expression (antiangiogenic/anticancer), induce apoptosis in cancer cells and reduce oxidative stress[6][4]. Despite its popularity among bodybuilders for supposed testosterone boosting or aromatase inhibition properties—human studies have not confirmed any effect on testosterone levels[3][1][2]. As of now there are no approved pharmaceutical indications or established clinical uses for chrysin.

Other names

5,7-dihydroxyflavoneChrysineGalangin flavanone5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one