flavocoxid

Flavocoxid is a proprietary medical food composed of plant-derived flavonoids, specifically baicalin (from *Scutellaria baicalensis*) and catechin (from *Acacia catechu*), formulated for the dietary management of osteoarthritis. It acts as a dual balanced inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Flavocoxid also exhibits antioxidant properties by reducing reactive oxygen species and modulates inflammatory gene expression via inhibition of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity. It was available by prescription in the United States under the brand name Limbrel for use in adults with chronic osteoarthritis. Developed by Primus Pharmaceuticals, Flavocoxid was marketed as a medical food rather than a pharmaceutical drug; it was withdrawn from the US market after reports of rare but potentially serious liver injury. Its mechanism involves both direct enzyme inhibition and modulation at the gene expression level.

Brand names

Limbrel

Other names

baicalin + catechin