What Is Dihydroquercetin?
Dihydroquercetin, also known as taxifolin, is a flavanonol that belongs to the phytonutrient family of plants. Dihydroquercetin is a group of natural compounds that are found in plants and possess several medicinal properties. The chemical compound can be found in several plants including milk thistle and red onion.
Studies have shown that dihydroquercetin has multiple health benefits in human body. The compound is commonly found in high concentrations in the wood of the Siberian trees which grow in the Northern parts of Russia. According to literature, taxifolin was discovered in 1938 by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, a Hungarian biochemist.
The compound was initially known as vitamin P. Later, it was discovered that the natural compound was not essential to human health and therefore not a vitamin. Since its discovery, the biological and antioxidant properties of taxifolin have been under constant study for decades.
Dihydroquercetin has two primary effects on the human body. It has powerful antioxidant properties. It protects the body tissues against harmful free radicals found in the body. Dihydroquercetin also protects the cardiovascular and immune systems from several health defects. Studies have indicated that the antioxidant property of dihydroquercetin exceeds that found in common antioxidants such as tocopherols and ascorbic acid.
What Are The Uses Of Dihydroquercetin?
Dihydroquercetin is used to improve allergic reactions such as itching and sneezing. The compounds have antihistamine properties which help to prevent the effects of histamine in the body. According to researchers, dihydroquercetin can also impede the synthesis of histamine.
Dihydroquercetin is used to prevent inflammation in the body. The compound has anti-inflammatory effects which help prevent the occurrence of inflammation in the body. Dihydroquercetin can inhibit the production of cytokines which are responsible for the inflammatory responses within the body.
The compound is used to protect the body from harmful free radicals within the body. Free radicals are by-products of oxygen related reactions. The antioxidant properties of dihydroquercetin help protect the immune and cardiovascular system from the free radicals.
Taxifolin can be used to lower the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is a type of “bad cholesterol” that can cause narrowing of the blood vessels leading to an increased risk of getting cardiovascular disorders.
Dihydroquercetin is also used as a preventive remedy against atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular problem that involves the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The disorder is a leading cause of strokes, heart attack, and vascular diseases.
Taxifolin is used to prevent the development of ultraviolet-induced skin carcinogenesis. The compound acts by targeting the EGFR and the PI3-K cells. Several studies have revealed that dihydroquercetin can exert multiple biological effects against cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanisms and the direct targets are not well known.
Dihydroquercetin is used to treat disorders of the central nervous system. The natural compound helps improve memory retention and also alleviate symptoms that are associated with mental disorders such as Parkinsonism.
Health Benefits Of Taxifolin
According to studies, taxifolin has several health benefits to the human body. The compound is a potent antioxidant. It helps protect the body tissues from the damage that may result from harmful free radicals. Free radicals are the by-product of oxygen related biological reactions.
Another key benefit of dihydroquercetin in the body involves its ability to protect the body against infections. Scientists have revealed that this powerful flavonoid can help prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. Cancer is a type of disorder that involves the rapid growth of cells in the body.
Dihydroquercetin also helps prevent the development and progress of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition whereby the blood glucose concentration becomes extremely high. Additionally, the chemical compound helps alleviate symptoms that are associated with mental disorders. It is also beneficial to patients diagnosed with a mental illness such as Alzheimer's. Taxifolin helps improve memory retention and alertness.
According to health experts, taxifolin is an essential nutrient for blood. The flavonoid works by enhancing blood flow and preventing blood stasis. It also helps reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Additionally, dihydroquercetin helps reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure.
Side Effects of Dihydroquercetin
Most toxicological studies have shown that taxifolin has no adverse effects on the human body. Studies show that the natural compound can be consumed in extremely high doses without causing any adverse effects to a person.
Currently, there is no proper daily recommended intake of dihydroquercetin because it is not considered essential to the human body. However, researchers suggest that an adult can take a dose ranging between 50 milligrams and 1000 milligrams per day to realize the above benefits.
Sources Of Taxifolin
The compound can be sourced from several plants including red onion and milk thistle. Other sources include acai palm and Siberian Larch trees.
Dihydroquercetin Final Words
Dihydroquercetin is a powerful phytonutrient that can be used to treat several ailments. Besides the plant sources, the natural compound can be sourced from supplements that are available on the market.
