raw material Hinokitiol

Hinokitiol More Info

1. General Description

Hinokitiol, also known as β-thujaplicin, is a natural monoterpenoid compound and a tropolone derivative found in the heartwood of trees in the Cupressaceae family (hinoki, hiba, western red cedar, etc.). It is a secondary metabolite synthesized by these aromatic and medicinal plants. Hinokitiol can be obtained by extraction from natural plant oils or by chemical synthesis.

2. Chemical & Physical Properties

CAS Number: 499-44-5

EINECS Number: 207-880-7

Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂O₂

Molecular Weight: 164.20–164.21

Chemical Name: 2-hydroxy-4-isopropylcyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-one / 4-isopropyl-2-hydroxy-cyclohepta-2,4,6-triene-1-one (Isopropyltropolone)

Appearance: Yellow to white crystalline powder with a unique odor

Melting Point: 48–52°C

Purity: ≥99% (GC) commercial grade; ≥98% for research grade

Solubility: Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and acetone

Storage: Store at 2–8°C, protected from air and light

Packaging: Typically 25 kg/drum

3. Mechanism of Action

Hinokitiol exerts its biological effects through multiple mechanisms:

Ion chelation: Acts as a lipophilic chelator of Mg²⁺ and other divalent cations, including iron; binding to intracellular iron disrupts mitochondrial respiration by inhibiting respiratory chain complexes I and II

Antioxidant activity: Inhibits UVB-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes via induction of metallothionein

Cellular signaling modulation: Blocks cell transformation by inhibiting gene expression and dysregulating signaling pathways related to cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy

4. Biological & Pharmacological Activities

Hinokitiol exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities:

Antibacterial: Effective against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 1.56–3.13 mg/L); active against P. acnes with no known acquired resistance; significant activity against oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum Antifungal: Active against Malassezia pachydermatis (recommended for canine otitis externa); effective against wood-decaying basidiomycetes Antiviral & Antiplasmodial: Reported antiviral and antiplasmodial activities

Anti-inflammatory: Attenuates inflammation in experimental models Antioxidant & Neuroprotective: Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects documented

Anticancer: Induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy via inhibition of gene expression and dysregulation of cellular signaling pathways

Antidiabetic & Hepatoprotective: Exhibits antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities

Anti-melanogenic: Inhibits melanin production

Anti-aging: Shows anti-aging properties

5. Applications

Oral & Dental Care: Incorporated into toothpaste and gels for prevention of dental caries, periodontal disease, and halitosis

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic, and anti-aging ingredient in skincare products; effective for acne and rosacea

Veterinary: Recommended as an effective remedy for canine otitis externa due to antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity against Malassezia pachydermatis

Food & Healthcare Products: Common antimicrobial ingredient

Wood Preservation: Potential natural wood preservative against wood-rotting fungi

Pharmaceutical Research: Used as a reference standard and in pharmacological research for anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other indications

6. Safety Profile

Hinokitiol is reported to have low skin irritation, making it suitable for topical and cosmetic applications. It is widely used as an ingredient in food products, cosmetics, and healthcare products.

7. Regulatory & Quality Notes

Hinokitiol is classified as a natural bioactive compound and is commercially available as both a natural extract and a synthetically produced material. Research-grade products (≥98% purity) are intended for laboratory and scientific research use only. Commercial grades (≥99%) are used as functional ingredients in consumer goods.