What effects does fisetin have?
Due to its molecular structure, fisetin has the ability to neutralize free radicalsThis makes it, like other secondary plant substances, a natural Antioxidant. In addition, the molecule can increase the amount of glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant in many organisms.
In addition, it interacts with some inflammatory signaling pathways and has been shown to cell studies repeatedly produce anti-inflammatory properties.
Where is fisetin found in food?
It occurs naturally in a variety of foods. In larger quantities, the substance found in strawberries, making this fruit one of the best natural sources of this flavonoid. In addition, fisetin is found in other fruits such as apples and mangos as well as in vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and cucumbers contain.
It is also available in manageable quantities in nuts and seeds as well as in wine and dark chocolate Some spices, including turmeric and ginger, also contain fisetin.
Since the fisetin content in foods varies, it is important to consume a variety of foods to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of this beneficial flavonoid. It is also worth noting that Fisetin is sensitive to heat, so raw or minimally processed foods tend to have higher levels of this nutrient.
How much fisetin is contained in food?
Depending on the database, you will get slightly different results on this question. To give you a better overview, we have summarized some of the foods with the highest fisetin content. The table is based on this study:
Groceries | Fisetin content (µg/g fresh weight) |
strawberries | 160 |
apples | 26.9 |
grapes | 6.2 |
onions | 4.8 |
cucumbers | 5.2 |
tomatoes | 0.8 |
kiwis | 2.0 |
peaches | 1.9 |
Fisetin, Quercetin and Luteolin.
The three molecules, fisetin, quercetin and luteolin are all secondary plant substances.To give you a better overview of which fruit and vegetables contain which molecule, we have created another table for you here. The data comes from this Study.
Groceries | Fisetin (μg/g fresh weight) | Quercetin (μg/g fresh weight) | Luteolin (μg/g fresh weight) |
Green bean | not measured | 12.6 | 10.1 |
Green peppers | not measured | 14.1 | 14.7 |
Parsley | not measured | 7.0 | 3.1 |
Onion | 4.8 | 337.0 | 1.9 |
lotus root | 5.8 | 4.4 | 3.6 |
lettuce | not measured | 4.8 | 5.2 |
Orange | not measured | 17.5 | 1.0 |
persimmon | 10.5 | not measured | 1.4 |
strawberry | 160.0 | 6.9 | not measured |
The current state of research
Currently, research into fisetin is still based on animal studies, but the first studies on humans are already being carried out. We will show you in which areas of science fisetin is being researched:
Alzheimer
The Alzheimer's disease is a serious and chronic brain disease caused by the deposition of a substance known as amyloid-beta designated substance and the excessive phosphorylation of proteins called tau in the brain This Accumulation leads to problems with brain function, especially memory and cognition.
In a study on mice, the researchers investigated the protective effect of fisetin on the brains of mice, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's. They used a model of Alzheimer's disease in which mice were injected with amyloid beta. This injection led to the well-known memory and synapse problems, as well as inflammation in the brain and degeneration of neurons.
The mice were then treated with fisetin, which was injected into the body (not directly into the brain). This treatment began one day after the amyloid beta injection and lasted for two weeks. The researchers found that the molecule Accumulation of amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins in the mouse brain were significantly reduced. In addition, it contributed to the improvement of synaptic function which led to an improvement in the memory performance of the mice.
The treatment also activated pathways in the mice's brains that helped counteract the effects of amyloid-beta.
inhibition of inflammatory factors
To find out what properties fisetin has, the scientists cell culture studies This is basic research to better understand the biochemical relationships between molecules.It is important to note that these studies only provide the basics of how molecules are likely to work.
So what did the scientists discover in the cell culture studies on fisetin? In cell culture studies, fisetin interacts via several pathways: It can Reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokinesIn addition, fisetin can inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in inflammatory processes, such as Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX)which are responsible for the production of inflammatory mediators.
Another mechanism by which fisetin may exert its anti-inflammatory effect is the modulation of signaling pathwaysinvolved in inflammatory reactions. In cell cultures, fisetin appears to activate NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B) inhibit, an important regulator of the inflammatory response, and the activity of Signaling pathway proteins such as MAP kinases and PI3K/Akt, which are involved in inflammatory processes involved, modulate.
In addition, fisetin has been shown to regulate the activity of inflammatory cells such as macrophages and neutrophils by increasing the release of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins reduced.
Fisetin & Longevity
In studies with mice, administration of Fisetin in late life to restore tissue homeostasis, a reduction in age-related pathologies and an extension of the average and maximum life span.
Even when given to rodents the equivalent of 75 human years, fisetin was able to extend lifespan by 10%. These results can probably be attributed to the effect of Fisetin on the Hallmarks of Aging The researchers were able to prove that fisetin has a life-prolonging effect not only in mice, but also in flies and worms. The life-prolonging effect in the animal studies is probably due to the activation of the sirtuins back. This family of genes, also known as longevity genes, is the focus of aging research. Other molecules that also belong to the sirtuin activators include David Sinclair researched resveratrol.
To help you better understand the molecular background, we will use the example of cellular senescence to show you how fisetin affects longevity in animal experiments.
senescence
Before we explain the molecular interaction of fisetin, we will first explain the terms senescence and senolysis. To put it simply, senescence refers to old cells that no longer divide and remain in a kind of intermediate stage - not really dead, but not really alive either. Hence the nickname "zombie cells".
We find these senescent cells in our body at every stage of life and under certain circumstances they can even be beneficial. As we age, however, too many of these “zombic cells” probably accumulate and the body can no longer keep up with the elimination, or senolysis, of these cells.. This increase in senescent cells leads to an activation of tissue hormones and messenger substances, which are summarized under the name SAPS. Animal studies in particular have shown that the elimination of the "zombie cells" leads to a longer and healthier life. The molecules that can help the body to detect and eliminate such "zombie cells" are called senolytics.
Senolytics – the weapon against the “zombie cells”
Senolytic therapy, which aims to selectively eliminate senescent cells, has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. Much of it is still theoretical and has only been tested on animals.
After this paper The senolytic potency of fisetin is higher than that of comparable flavonoids. One study showed that fisetin could destroy senescent cells in old mice and improve both their health and lifespan.
One of the molecular mechanisms behind the extension of lifespan in animal experiments is probably the DAF-16-induced stress response and induced autophagy. The altered autophagy is one of the hallmarks of aging and reversing this could be one of the molecular reasons for the effects of fisetin in longevity research.
Did you know? Autophagy is the body’s ability to remove “old cells”, as happens, for example, in Fast happens.
Quercesome - 20 times higher bioavailability compared to conventional quercetin powder. Thanks to phospholipids from sunflower and natural vitamin C.
Side effects of fisetin
Fisetin is generally considered to be well tolerated. As with all dietary supplements, side effects can occur, especially at higher doses. These include:
- Gastrointestinal complaints: Some people may experience dietary supplements Experience gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, it is possible for people to have an allergic reaction to fisetin. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or throat.
- Drug interactions: Fisetin could potentially interact with certain medications, especially those that affect blood clotting, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants). This could increase the risk of bleeding.
Conclusion
Fisetin is a versatile and exciting molecule from the group of flavonoids. It is being researched for its senolytic properties. There is still mainly basic research on fisetin, but this will certainly change in the near future.