taxifolin

Taxifolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid of the flavanonol subclass, also known as dihydroquercetin. It is found in various plants and foods such as grapes, citrus fruits, onions, green tea, olive oil, and herbs like milk thistle[4][7]. Taxifolin exhibits potent antioxidant activity and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (including antibacterial and antifungal), anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-hyperlipidemic and cardiovascular protective effects in preclinical studies[3][4][5][7][8]. Mechanistically it acts by scavenging free radicals; inhibiting oxidative stress pathways; modulating inflammatory signaling including NF-κB; suppressing COX-2 and iNOS expression; inducing phase II detoxifying enzymes; suppressing cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases; inhibiting apoptosis and cancer cell cycle progression[3][4][5]. Taxifolin can inhibit amyloid-β production via the ApoE-ERK1/2 pathway in models of cerebral amyloid angiopathy[3], block protein aggregation relevant to neurodegenerative diseases[6], act as a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist with weak affinity[7], agonize adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2)[7], inhibit degranulation of mast cells via MAPKs/cPLA2/NF-κB pathways[8], regulate glucose metabolism through PI3K/AKT signaling[8] and maintain lipid homeostasis by reducing cholesterol esterification/synthesis[7]. It is not an approved pharmaceutical drug but is considered experimental for multiple indications.

Other names

dihydroquercetin(+)-taxifolin(±)-taxifolin