Isoorientin (homoorientin) is a flavone, a chemical flavonoid-like compound. It is the luteolin-6-C-glucoside.

Natural occurrence

Isoorientin can be isolated from the passion flower, Vitex negundo, Terminalia myriocarpa, the Açaí palm, and Swertia japonica.

Potential pharmacology

Isoorientin has been studied for its potential pharmacological activity. Bioassay-directed fractionation techniques led to isolation of isoorientin as the main hypoglycaemic component in Gentiana olivieri. Studies also showed that isoorientin is a potential neuroprotective compound against Alzheimer's disease.

Metabolism

The enzyme isoorientin 3'-O-methyltransferase converts isoorientin to isoscoparin in a methylation reaction using the cofactor, S-adenosyl methionine (SAM):

See also

• Orientin, the 8-C glucoside of luteolin.

References