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Flavonoids inhibit MCT1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, reducing sleep time in rats

In vitro, flavonoids such as luteolin, morin, and phloretin inhibited MCT1-mediated uptake of GHB in rat MCT1-transfected cells, with IC50 values of 0.41, 6.41, and 2.57 μM respectively. In vivo, intravenous luteolin (10 mg/kg) increased renal and total clearance of GHB and significantly reduced sleep time from 165 to 121 minutes in rats given 1000 mg/kg GHB.

1 min readUpdated Aug 25, 20260 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score26/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Flavonoids inhibit MCT1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, reducing sleep time in rats The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 26/100 (low).

The Claim

Flavonoids inhibit MCT1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, reducing sleep time in rats

This conclusion is most relevant to: Male Sprague-Dawley rats.

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • Flavonoids modulate monocarboxylate transporter-1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in vitro and in vivo. (Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals, 2007) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • Flavonoids (e.g., luteolin) competitively inhibit MCT1 transporter
  • Inhibition reduces renal reabsorption of GHB in kidney
  • Increased renal and total clearance of GHB
  • Result: Decreased GHB brain levels and reduced sleep time

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • Male Sprague-Dawley rats

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • Animal study (rats) may not directly translate to humans
  • Only one flavonoid (luteolin) tested in vivo; others only in vitro
  • Single dose of GHB and luteolin; dose-response not fully explored

Frequently Asked Questions

What flavonoids were found to inhibit GHB transport?

Apigenin, biochanin A, chrysin, diosemin, fisetin, genistein, hesperitin, kaempferol, luteolin, morin, narigenin, phloretin, and quercetin inhibited MCT1-mediated GHB uptake in vitro.

Did luteolin reduce sleep time in rats?

Yes, luteolin (10 mg/kg i.v.) significantly decreased sleep time from 165 to 121 minutes after GHB administration.

Are flavonoids substrates for MCT1?

No, kaempferol and biochanin A were not taken up via MCT1, suggesting flavonoids are inhibitors but not substrates.

What was the mechanism of inhibition for luteolin?

Luteolin competitively inhibited MCT1-mediated GHB transport with an IC50 of 0.41 μM.

References

  1. 1.Wang Q, Morris ME. “Flavonoids modulate monocarboxylate transporter-1-mediated transport of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in vitro and in vivo..” Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals, 2007. PMID: 17108059 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.106.012369
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.