By now, most people interested in health are familiar with antioxidants such as resveratrol or quercetin. While these compounds have been studied extensively, research on a lesser-known antioxidant called fisetin has only just begun. Early research suggests that fisetin is a powerful anti-aging weapon with antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory benefits, among other medicinal effects.

If you want to know more about fisetin and what it can do for your health, please read on.

What is Fisetin?

been conducted Fisetin is a type of polyphenol in the flavonoid group. It is a plant pigment found in a variety of plants and gives color to a variety of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, cucumbers, and apples.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential health benefits of fisetin. It is currently being studied for its ability to extend lifespan and slow the aging process. These ‘senolytic’ effects are of great interest to modern science.

Senolytics are a class of molecules being studied to investigate their ability to induce senescent cell death. The goal of research is to discover and develop an agent to delay or prevent or even reverse diseases associated with the aging process.

Although studies have consistently linked fisetin to various health benefits, it must be noted that research is still in its early stages. Almost all research to date has been done in the laboratory or on animals. At the time of writing, only one clinical trial has.

Food sources of fisetin

Fisetin is present in large amounts in fruits and vegetables. The following are some of the best sources:

strawberry

apple

Persimmon

onion

grapes

lotus root

Kiwi fruit

cucumber

Health Benefits of Fisetin

Studies have shown that fisetin has many potential health benefits. It has powerful antioxidant effects that can not only directly neutralize free radicals but also help enhance the effects of other antioxidants in the system.

Studies have also shown that fisetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential. The compound can have very diverse effects on different organs, including the brain, heart and liver. It can also benefit the skin and help treat depression.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the specific health benefits that fisetin offers.

Anti-aging and life extension

Extending a person’s life is a big deal but more important than longevity is extending a person’s healthy life span.

We have already mentioned that fisetin is a potential senolytic compound. It is a term used to refer to a compound that can slow down aging. As we age, senescent cells form. These cells become damaged, stop dividing and start releasing inflammatory molecules.

As more senescent cells begin to accumulate in the body, it is affected. These cells damage healthy tissue and contribute to a range of age-related conditions, from cancer and heart disease to osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s.

Animal studies have shown that removing these cells eases inflammation and helps prolong life.

Recent studies of the senolytic effects of plant compounds have shown that fisetin is particularly potent. The researchers compared the effects of feeding mice a normal diet and a fisetin-enriched diet. They found that mice fed fisetin lived about 10% longer. Not only were their lifestyles extended, but their bodies functioned more effectively in old age.

A 10% extension of life expectancy is very significant and the study has understandably generated considerable excitement.

Other studies have shown that fisetin can extend the life span of flies by 20% and yeast by more than 50%.

These led to a new clinical trial to investigate the effects of fisetin on inflammation and bone health in the very promising elderly. Results are expected sometime in late 2020.

So will Fisetin really help you live longer? The signs are certainly promising but we have to wait for the clinical trial results before getting overexcited.

Anti-cancer potential

Several laboratory studies have shown that fisetin can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. It works by causing cancer cells to die (apoptosis).

Animal and laboratory studies have shown that fisetin was effective against several types of cancer, including:

Ovarian cancer

Pancreatic cancer

Bladder cancer

breast cancer

Lung cancer

Leukemia

Colon cancer

skin cancer

Researchers believe that fisetin is effective against cancer cells because of its antioxidant boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

An animal study also showed that fisetin can make lung cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment with chemotherapy.

This gap in recent research is very promising, but it remains to be seen whether the results will translate to humans.

inflammation

Several studies have also shown that fisetin is good for the heart. It can help protect heart health in several ways. It may protect against oxidative stress and may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Fisetin has strong anti-inflammatory effects. The compound protects the body from damage related to stress and inflammation and helps protect against inflammatory diseases. The compound helps prevent inflammation but also helps the body manage existing inflammation.

Studies have shown that fisetin regulates inflammatory pathways and helps neutralize several inflammatory compounds. It can help the body produce more glutathione, which is the body’s most powerful anti-inflammatory compound.

Heart health

An animal study found that fisetin helped improve heart function and health in mice with abnormally thickened heart walls. Another study found that fisetin protected heart tissue and improved function after damage caused by a heart attack.

Can lower cholesterol

Studies have shown that fisetin helps lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in rats fed a high-fat diet. Studies on the effects of fisetin on diabetic rats have shown that fisetin helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 50% while doubling HDL (the good kind) cholesterol levels.

May lower blood pressure

According to laboratory and animal studies, fisetin may also help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

A cell study also found that fisetin inhibited blood cell clotting, suggesting that fisetin may help prevent high blood pressure.

Brain health

According to research, fisetin has an impressive range of potential benefits for the brain. It may help prevent age-related brain conditions like Alzheimer’s and may also help protect against common mental problems like anxiety and depression.

Alzheimer’s disease and memory

As people age, some immune cells found in the brain become overactive. This causes inflammation and damages healthy brain cells.

Laboratory studies have shown that fisetin helps increase antioxidant levels in the brain and inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds.

Animal studies have also shown that fisetin reduces the formation of amyloid plaques in mice and protects against damage to healthy brain cells.

Another study found that aging rats fed fisetin improved memory and learning.

Anxiety and depression

Studies conducted on rats have shown that fisetin helps reduce depression by increasing levels of noradrenaline and serotonin.

Other studies involving rats have shown that fisetin reduced anxiety and depression caused by pain.

Researchers believe it works because it blocks monoamine oxidase – an enzyme responsible for breaking down noradrenaline and serotonin.

stroke

Several animal studies have also found that fisetin protects brain cells and helps reduce damage and inflammation caused by stroke.

Fisetin may help treat seizures caused by brain injury. According to research, fisetin can help prevent seizures by reducing oxidative stress.

Diabetes

Fisetin can help control blood sugar levels, making it a potential treatment option for diabetics. According to various studies, fisetin helps regulate blood sugar levels in the following ways: (31, 32, 33)

It helps in increasing insulin levels

Increases the number of enzymes that convert sugar into energy.

Removes sugar from the blood and stores it as glycogen in the liver

Studies have also found that fisetin may help with some symptoms in people with diabetes, including neuropathic pain.

obesity

Animal studies have shown that fisetin can help control weight and fight obesity.

One study found that fisetin helped prevent weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. In fact they gained about 75% less body weight when given fisetin. A significant and impressive difference.

Researchers are still unsure of the exact mechanism of its weight loss effects. They believe it works by blocking mTOR and reducing the growth of fat cells. It can also increase adiponectin – a hormone that stimulates fat-burning.

Bone health

Research also suggests that fisetin may help keep bones strong and healthy, which is a particular concern as we age.

Bone health is linked to estrogen levels, which put postmenopausal women at higher risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

In animal studies, estrogen-deficient mice had improved bone density and decreased bone loss after being fed fisetin.

Although research is still in its early stages, findings suggest that fisetin may play a role in improving bone health in postmenopausal women.

Skin health

In addition to its many potential benefits for internal health, there is a growing body of evidence that fisetin can help boost skin health in several ways.

sun damage

Studies have shown that fisetin can improve the health and appearance of skin by protecting against the breakdown of collagen caused by exposure to UV rays. It also helps reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage caused by exposure to UV rays.

When fisetin was applied topically to mice, it helped prevent inflammation, DNA damage and abnormal skin cell growth caused by exposure to UV rays. Animal studies have shown that it can prevent the formation of wrinkles by increasing collagen levels in the skin.

eczema

Fisetin can also help treat common inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. An animal study showed that fisetin helped reduce inflammation and redness in mice with skin diseases.

Antimicrobial benefits

Several studies on the effects of fisetin have shown that it may also have antimicrobial properties. According to research, it can be effective against bacteria, fungi and even certain parasites.

One study showed that fisetin is effective against listeria. Another study found that it was effective against two types of harmful fungi that affect people with weakened immune systems.

In addition to its potential antimicrobial benefits, fisetin has also demonstrated the ability to fight parasitic infections.

How to use Fisetin

Fisetin is found in many fruits and vegetables and is also available in supplement form.

What foods contain fisetin?

Strawberries are the best dietary source of fisetin. They contain the highest amount of compounds and are relatively low in sugar.

Cucumbers and onions also contain moderate amounts of the compound, but it’s not practical to eat enough to have a significant effect on your fisetin levels.

Persimmons and grapes also contain fisetin, but both fruits are relatively high in sugar.

Fisetin is available in supplement form, including capsules. Unfortunately, very few studies to date have involved human patients but one study found that 100 mg daily was effective in treating inflammation.

An ongoing clinical trial is using a much higher dose but results won’t be available until next year.

If you plan to use supplemental fisetin, make sure you follow the dosage guidelines on the label carefully and consult your medical professional if in doubt.

Warnings and side effects

Animal studies to date have shown that fisetin is safe even at very high doses. However, precious few clinical studies have been conducted and we have to wait for the results of ongoing studies to adhere to its safety profile.

Abdominal discomfort was the only side effect reported in the only clinical trial conducted so far. This side effect was reported by one patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment and similar effects were reported by people in the placebo group who were also receiving chemotherapy.

There is no safety information regarding the effects of supplemental fisetin on children. Similarly, we do not know how safe the compound will be for pregnant women and nursing

mothers. Consequently, children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution and avoid using fisetin supplements.

Drug interactions

Fisetin may interact with blood thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin). The liver processes warfarin through the same pathway it processes fisetin. It may increase the effects of warfarin. If you are taking warfarin, please talk to your doctor before taking fisetin supplements.

Fisetin can also work with medications to lower blood sugar levels. Animal studies have shown that fisetin significantly lowers blood sugar. If you are taking medication to lower your blood sugar levels, you must talk to your doctor before supplementing with Fisetin.

Last thought

Fisetin is an antioxidant compound found in certain fruits and vegetables.

It has several potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

A host of recent studies on fisetin’s anti-aging effects suggest that it may be an effective senolytic, meaning it may help extend life and maintain health in old age.

Several studies also found that fisetin was effective against several types of cancer, including breast, skin, lung, and colon cancer.

Studies also suggest that fisetin has various heart and brain health benefits. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and improving blood circulation.

Fisetin may improve memory and protect against age-related brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to its many potential benefits for internal health, fisetin may help protect the skin from free radical damage and may also be a natural remedy for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.

To date, the vast majority of research has been conducted in the laboratory or on animals. Although the signs so far are promising, more clinical trials are needed before we can say how effective the compound might be in humans. An ongoing study may tell us more when results are published in the near future.