Isoorientin (also called homoorientin, luteolin 6-C-β-D-glucoside, luteolin 6-C-glucoside) is a flavonoid belonging to the flavone group of chemicals. Isoorientin is present in relatively high amounts in the leaves of Passiflora edulis (passionflower). Evidence suggests that the flavonoid content of passionflower may be responsible for the mood elevating effects of extracts of the plant. In one study researchers investigated the effects of a passion flower extract containing a range of flavonoids with an extract that was standardised to contain high amounts of isoorientin. The results showed that both extracts had an antidepressant activity in animal models of depression, but that the extracts containing the isoorientin were more potent. These results suggest that isoorientin may play a significant role in the antidepressant effects of passionflower extracts. This supports other studies that attest to the antidepressant effects of flavones such as chrysin, luteolin and apigenin in plant extracts.
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