Icaritin（CAS:118525-40-9)

Icaritin (CAS: 118525-40-9), with molecular formula C₂₁H₂₀O₆ and molecular weight of 368.38, is a natural isoprene flavonoid compound and the active aglycone of icariin. Derived from Epimedium plants, it exists in extremely low natural content and needs to be prepared by hydrolysis and purification. Compared with icariin, Icaritin has no glycosyl chain, featuring smaller molecular size, stronger lipophilicity and higher cell permeability. With concise molecular structure and definite pharmacological mechanism, it has become a popular monomer in anti-tumor, bone medicine and immune regulation research, possessing high commercial value in biomedicine and scientific research.

In terms of physical and chemical properties, Icaritin appears as pale yellow crystalline powder with slight bitter taste and stable properties. It is easily soluble in organic solvents such as methanol and ethanol, but insoluble in water. Its lipophilicity improves cell absorption efficiency. It has compact molecular structure and good acid-base resistance, not easy to deteriorate under sealed storage. However, it is sensitive to strong light and high temperature. Long-term exposure will cause color darkening and activity attenuation. It shall be stored in sealed, light-proof, cool and dry environment away from strong oxidants to maintain stable purity and biological activity.

In industrial production, Icaritin is prepared from Epimedium extract or high-purity icariin through enzymatic hydrolysis and multi-stage purification. The production procedures include raw material screening, flavonoid enrichment, deglycosylation, solvent extraction, vacuum concentration, macroporous resin decolorization, HPLC separation, recrystallization and vacuum drying. Adopting green and mild transformation technology, the process accurately breaks glycosidic bonds without harmful residues. Industrial refined Icaritin can reach a purity of more than 98%, meeting high-standard requirements for medicine, scientific research and health products.

Icaritin has stronger and diversified pharmacological activities than most Epimedium flavonoids. Its core functions include anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, bone regulation and immune modulation. For anti-tumor effect, it inhibits cancer cell proliferation, induces apoptosis and blocks metastasis with low toxicity. It efficiently scavenges free radicals to reduce oxidative damage and delay aging. Its anti-inflammatory property inhibits inflammatory factors and relieves chronic inflammation. In addition, it promotes osteoblast proliferation to improve bone density and enhances immune activity with high human tolerance.

Icaritin is positioned as a high-end fine chemical raw material. In the pharmaceutical field, it serves as an important intermediate for anti-tumor and bone-repairing new drugs with broad research prospects. In health products, it is made into high-end anti-aging and bone-care supplements relying on high absorption. In scientific research, it is widely used as a standard reference substance for flavonoid analysis and cell experiments. In cosmetics, it is added into anti-aging skincare products to improve skin oxidation and dullness.

With the upgrading of the plant extract industry, high-activity aglycones have become the research mainstream. Benefiting from small molecular structure, high bioavailability and broad pharmacological activities, Icaritin has achieved rapid growth in market demand. In the future, with optimized biotransformation technology, its production cost will be reduced and medical application scope will be expanded. With stable quality and natural plant origin, Icaritin will continue to develop in biomedicine and health care, becoming a benchmark product with great potential among natural flavonoid extracts.