DESCRIPTION
Phytomenadione is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Phytomenadione plays a critical role in the synthesis of clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) and anticoagulant proteins (C and S) in the liver, which are necessary for effective blood coagulation.
Cas Number: 84-80-0
SYNONYMS
Phytonadione,Phylloquinone,Vitamin K1,2-Methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, Mephyton (brand name),AquaMEPHYTON
Phytomenadione, commonly known as vitamin K1, is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular health.
This review explores its chemical properties, biosynthesis, physiological role, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications.
We also examine its role in preventing vitamin K deficiency, its therapeutic potential in chronic disease management, and emerging research directions.
Phytomenadione (vitamin K1) is a vital nutrient primarily involved in the synthesis of clotting factors.
Discovered in the early 20th century, it has since been recognized for its multifaceted roles in human health.
Beyond coagulation, recent research highlights its importance in bone health, cardiovascular function, and potential therapeutic applications.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure
Phytomenadione has the molecular formula C31H46O2 and belongs to the naphthoquinone family.
Its structure consists of a methylated naphthoquinone ring and a phytyl side chain, contributing to its hydrophobic nature.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Molecular Weight: 450.7 g/mol
Solubility: Fat-soluble, insoluble in water
Stability: Sensitive to light, heat, and alkaline conditions
Biosynthesis
Natural Sources
Phytomenadione is predominantly found in green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
Phytomenadione is also present in certain plant oils such as soybean and canola oil.
Pathways in Plants
Plants synthesize phytomenadione via the shikimate pathway, which converts chorismate to phylloquinone through a series of enzymatic reactions.
Physiological Role
Role in Blood Coagulation
Phytomenadione is critical for activating clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.
It facilitates the carboxylation of glutamic acid residues, enabling these proteins to bind calcium and initiate coagulation.
Other Biological Functions
Bone Health: Stimulates osteocalcin carboxylation, promoting bone mineralization.
Cardiovascular Health: Regulates arterial calcification by activating matrix Gla-proteins.
Mechanisms of Action
Vitamin K Cycle
The vitamin K cycle involves the enzymatic conversion of vitamin K1 to its active hydroquinone form, followed by regeneration via epoxide reductase.
Interactions with Proteins and Enzymes
Phytomenadione acts as a cofactor for gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, an enzyme essential for post-translational modifications of vitamin K-dependent proteins.
Clinical Applications
Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency
Phytomenadione is used to treat and prevent bleeding disorders caused by vitamin K deficiency, including hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
Role in Newborn Care
Administering phytomenadione intramuscularly or orally to neonates prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
Potential in Chronic Disease Management
Emerging evidence suggests its role in reducing bone fractures, managing arterial stiffness, and improving cognitive health in older adults.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Phytomenadione is absorbed in the small intestine through micelle formation facilitated by bile salts.
Metabolism
Once absorbed, it undergoes hepatic metabolism to form active quinone derivatives.
Excretion
Metabolites are primarily excreted via bile and urine.
Synthetic and Commercial Production
Industrial Synthesis Methods
Phytomenadione is synthesized through chemical methods involving quinone and isoprenoid precursors.
Formulations and Dosage Forms
Available as oral tablets, capsules, and injectable solutions, it is often combined with lipids for enhanced bioavailability.
Deficiency and Disorders
Causes and Risk Factors
Poor dietary intake
Malabsorption syndromes
Long-term antibiotic use
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Easy bruising and bleeding
Prolonged prothrombin time (PT)
Related Disorders
Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Current Research
Recent Studies
Investigations into phytomenadione’s role in mitigating chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related vascular calcification.
Trials exploring its effects on bone density in postmenopausal women.
Emerging Applications
Potential applications in cancer therapy, neurological protection, and anti-inflammatory treatments are under exploration.
Future Perspectives
Potential in Therapeutics
Research is increasingly focusing on phytomenadione’s role in precision medicine, particularly in conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Innovations in Delivery Methods
Advancements in nanotechnology aim to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
Phytomenadione is a critical nutrient with diverse physiological roles and therapeutic potentials.
Continued research is essential to unlock its full potential in health and disease management.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT PHYTOMENADIONE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product