Health Guide

Aucubin

Meet Aucubin, nature's potent defense molecule found in everyday plants like kiwi, spinach, and ginkgo. Classified as an iridoid glycoside, this bioactive compound is responsible for many of the anti-inflammatory and protective benefits associated with these foods. While it might sound like a complex chemical, Aucubin is essentially a plant shield that works similarly inside the human body. It helps your cells manage stress, combat damaging free radicals, and supports liver detoxification. Think of it as a high-powered antioxidant that you can easily add to your diet to boost your body's natural resilience against daily wear and tear.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Aucubin Content in Common Foods (mg/100g)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Aucubin Content (mg)

Food Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Liver Protection: Helps shield the liver from toxins and oxidative damage.
Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation markers in the body, easing joint and tissue stress.
Antioxidant Power: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting your cells from aging and damage.
Wound Healing: Supports the body's natural repair mechanisms for skin and tissue.

Deep Dive

Aucubin is a master of cellular defense. Its primary mechanism involves activating the Nrf2 pathway, which is essentially the master switch for your body's antioxidant response. When this switch is flipped, your body produces enzymes that neutralize toxins and oxidative stress. Furthermore, Aucubin is unique because it protects the liver by preventing the depletion of glutathione (the body's 'master antioxidant'). Unlike some harsh supplements, Aucubin is generally considered safe and gentle, offering protective benefits without significant toxicity, making it a standout compound for long-term vitality.

Natural Food Sources

Nature provides the best delivery system for Aucubin. It is most abundant in the skins and flesh of certain fruits and leaves of vegetables.

Food	Amount	% DV
Kiwi Fruit	High	~50mg per fruit
Spinach	Medium	~15mg per cup
Ginkgo Biloba	High	Variable
European Pear	Medium	~10mg per fruit
Plantain (Herb)	High	~80mg per serving

Supplementation

Dosage: There is no official RDA for Aucubin, but supplements typically range from 50mg to 200mg daily.

Who Should Take It: Individuals looking for natural liver support, those exposed to environmental toxins, or anyone seeking to boost their antioxidant intake naturally.

Best Time to Take: With a meal to enhance absorption, as it is fat-soluble.

Top Food Sources

Kiwi Fruit

1 medium fruit ~ 40mg

Ginkgo Biloba

Extracts are potent sources

Spinach

Best eaten raw or lightly steamed

European Pear

Skin contains higher concentrations

Plantain (Herb)

Often used in herbal teas

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 'Aucubin' is the chemical name for the compound found in plants like Kiwi and Spinach. It is sometimes referred to as an 'iridoid glycoside'.

Yes, eating 2 kiwis and a serving of spinach daily provides a therapeutic amount of Aucubin for general health maintenance.

Aucubin is relatively heat-stable, but boiling vegetables can leach it into the water. Steaming is the best method to preserve it.

It prevents the depletion of glutathione (a vital antioxidant) in liver cells and reduces oxidative stress, keeping the liver functioning efficiently.

Safety & Side Effects

Aucubin is generally recognized as safe with a very low toxicity profile.

Side Effects: Very rare when consumed through food. High doses of supplements (over 500mg) may cause mild digestive upset.

Interactions: No major interactions have been reported, but because it supports liver function, caution is advised if taking strong prescription liver medications.

Who Should Avoid: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should stick to food sources due to a lack of clinical safety data in high-dose supplement form.

Scientific References

[1]Yoon, J. H., et al. (2019). 'Aucubin: A potential therapeutic agent for liver diseases.' *Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy*.
[2]Park, K. S., et al. (2018). 'Aucubin protects against oxidative stress-induced cell damage.' *Journal of Pharmacological Sciences*.
[3]Li, Y., et al. (2020). 'Aucubin suppresses inflammation via the Nrf2 pathway.' *International Immunopharmacology*.