Amentoflavone

Amentoflavone is an organic chemical compound belonging to flavonoids, which is a derivative of apigenin. In nature, amentoflavone is rare, and its best source is Selaginella Tamariscina – a Chinese plant belonging to the Selaginellaceae family. In addition, it can be found in the leaves of ginkgo biloba and in above-ground parts of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Specialists of traditional Chinese medicine credit amentoflavone for having anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hypoglycemic and immunomodulating properties.

Nowadays, amentoflavone is rarely used for therapeutic purposes. It is widely used in sports supplementation – the compound is known for its beneficial effects on strength and physical endurance; it also increases insulin sensitivity and promotes the production of nitric oxide, which intensifies the phenomenon of "muscle pump".

Researchers identified several mechanisms of action of amentoflavone. It has been proven that it intensifies the release of calcium in muscle cells and thus increases the strength of muscle contraction. In addition, it is an inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase enzyme, which results in an increase in cAMP levels, dilation of blood vessels and improvement of blood flow. This compound may also limit the synthesis of fatty acids and improve the process of lipolysis. Like other flavonoids, it is also an extremely strong antioxidant.

Some supplements contain pure amentoflavone, however, the majority of them contain Selaginella Tamariscina extracts standardized for the content of this compound.

Dosage: no standards for unit consumption.

Dosage depends on the standardization of the extract. The most frequently recommended doses of Selaginella Tamariscina extracts, standardized for 20% of amentoflavone, range from 400 to 600 mg per day