Leucanthogenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound with a well-documented chemical identity and botanical origin. Its unique molecular structure—defined by the formula C₁₇H₁₄O₈ and a molecular weight of 346.29 g/mol—classifies it within the flavonoid family, a group of polyphenolic compounds widely studied for their biological activities in plant and life science research.
This compound is primarily isolated from the herbs of Mentha haplocalyx, a plant species with a long history of use in traditional herbal practices, though its specific bioactive role in this botanical source is still an area of ongoing research. First characterized by its distinct chemical properties, leucanthogenin has been assigned a unique CAS number (99615-00-6) for identification in scientific and commercial contexts, ensuring traceability and consistency across supply chains.
In the broader landscape of flavonoid research, leucanthogenin aligns with the study of plant-derived bioactive molecules, which have gained attention for their potential roles in biochemistry and pharmacology. Unlike its better-known flavonoid relatives such as proanthocyanidins or anthocyanins, leucanthogenin is primarily valued as a research tool, with its purity and solubility profile making it suitable for in vitro and preclinical investigations.
Key foundational details for researchers include its physical form (a fine powder) and verified solubility in organic solvents like chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and acetone—properties that are critical for experimental design and protocol development.
Leucanthogenin