kaempferol

Kaempferol is a naturally occurring flavonol, a subclass of flavonoids found in many fruits, vegetables, and plant-derived foods. It has the molecular formula C15H10O6 and is recognized for its antioxidant properties by reducing oxidative stress[1][2]. Kaempferol exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic (anticancer), antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal), anti-adipogenic (anti-obesity), and neuroprotective effects[2][4][7]. Mechanistically, it acts as an antioxidant scavenging free radicals; inhibits key inflammatory enzymes such as phospholipase A2, lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase; modulates nitric oxide synthase activity; blocks α-glucosidase to reduce blood glucose levels; promotes insulin secretion and Akt activity to improve glucose metabolism; regulates lipid metabolism via PPARγ/C/EBP pathways; induces apoptosis in cancer cells by affecting Bcl-2 expression and mitochondrial function[5][6][8]. Kaempferol is under investigation for potential therapeutic use in cancer prevention/treatment, diabetes management (including diabetic nephropathy), obesity/metabolic syndrome control, cardiovascular disease prevention (e.g., atherosclerosis), neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier[6][7].

Other names

3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone