Fisetin not only protects our cells from harmful molecules, but it may provide many health benefits. From potentially fighting cancer to improving brain health to relieving inflammation and even safeguarding our skin, fisetin may become a powerful ally in promoting overall well-being. Let’s look at the potential health benefits of fisetin.
Key takeaways:
- Fisetin is a powerful compound that can protect our cells from harmful substances called free radicals.
- Studies suggest that fisetin might help prevent and treat cancer by stopping the growth of cancer cells and causing their death.
- Fisetin can potentially improve our brain health by reducing inflammation.
- Fisetin may promote healing by blocking the production of substances that cause inflammation.
- Although the health benefits of fisetin are promising, more research is needed to ensure these benefits are fully understood.
Need a reason to reach for one more strawberry? Fisetin, that’s why. This flavonoid and powerful antioxidant can be found in foods like strawberries, apples, persimmons, and other fruits and vegetables.
Discover the 7 surprising health benefits of fisetin below.
1. Fisetin Is a Powerful Antioxidant
Fisetin is unique among plant compounds because of its exceptional antioxidant abilities. Our bodies are composed of countless cells, each performing its own vital functions. However, these cells can sometimes face threats from harmful molecules called free radicals.
Free radicals can come from various sources, including air pollution, poor diet, and stress. When free radicals build up in our bodies, they can damage our cells, leading to a range of health issues. Antioxidants have been shown to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Fisetin May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Studies have shown that fisetin is remarkable for stopping the growth of cancer cells and causing their death. This process is called apoptosis. Fisetin can interfere with the signals that make cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to tumors.
According to scientists, fisetin can improve cancer treatments and cause fewer side effects. This means fisetin could be used with cancer treatments to make them more effective.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand how fisetin affects our health.
3. Fisetin May Boost Cognitive Function
One of the fascinating aspects of fisetin is its potential to improve cognitive function and help with various neurological disorders. This is because fisetin seems to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is a common factor in many cognitive issues.
In a 2017 study, researchers investigated the effects of fisetin on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in mice. They found that fisetin helped reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, which improved memory and protected against brain inflammation and damage caused by AD.
Interestingly, fisetin’s protective effects on the brain might also extend to the gut microbiome. Scientists believe the connection between our brain and gut is important for keeping our brains healthy. By positively influencing the gut microbiome, fisetin might also indirectly benefit our brain health.
But researchers are still exploring how fisetin could be used to treat conditions like AD, Parkinson’s disease, and age-related cognitive decline.
4. Fisetin May Relieve Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. But when it gets out of control or becomes chronic, it can lead to various diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
According to research, fisetin can stop the production of chemicals like cytokines known to cause inflammation. These inflammatory substances can damage tissues in the body and cause pain, redness, and swelling. By blocking their production, fisetin may help reduce these symptoms and promote healing.
Furthermore, fisetin may also help the body remove waste and damaged cells through a process called autophagy. This process allows the cells to break down and recycle damaged parts, which can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Fisetin might have the ability to reduce inflammation in different conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. However, this health benefit of fisetin is still being studied.
5. Fisetin May Be a Potent Senolytic
Fisetin may remove old and damaged cells, known as senescent cells. These cells accumulate in our bodies as we age and can cause inflammation. This, in turn, leads to a slew of age-related diseases such as AD, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Research suggests that fisetin may be a helpful senolytic agent. This means it can target and remove senescent cells without causing harm to healthy cells. Fisetin’s ability to get rid of these aging cells is very promising for research on aging.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s a lack of clinical trials involving humans regarding the senolytic effect of fisetin.
6. Fisetin May Enhance Stroke Treatment
Fisetin was found to protect the brain by preventing further damage to the affected areas after a stroke. In a 2019 study, fisetin showed significant improvements in stroke treatment for patients who received delayed treatment. Overall, fisetin has the potential to enhance traditional stroke treatments and improve outcomes, especially for patients who receive treatment later after the onset of stroke.
7. Fisetin May Protect Against Skin Damage
Fisetin has the ability to enhance the health and appearance of our skin. A study found that fisetin can reduce inflammation and protect against skin damage caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Mice were exposed to UVB radiation and treated with fisetin. This resulted in reduced inflammation, decreased cell proliferation, and less DNA damage.
Another study showed that when skin cells are exposed to UV radiation, fisetin can help decrease the levels of certain proteins that cause inflammation and collagen breakdown. It also affected several communication pathways in the cells, reducing inflammation and stress caused by harmful substances.
What Are the Potential Risks of Taking Fisetin?
Fisetin is a natural compound found in many fruits and vegetables, so consuming it in these forms is generally safe. However, the safety of fisetin supplements – which contain much higher doses – is still unknown.
Related: Fisetin Dosages: What Are the Recommended Amounts?
Here’s what we know. Based on the limited number of clinical trials conducted on humans, fisetin has shown no reported side effects thus far.
In a small study, patients with colorectal cancer who received 100 mg of fisetin supplements for seven weeks did not report any significant adverse reactions. Yet, the long-term effects of fisetin supplements have not been extensively studied.
Fisetin could interact with other medications. Additionally, poor absorption could be an issue when taking fisetin. The potential drug interactions of fisetin in humans are not well-known. Finally, it’s best to avoid fisetin altogether if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as it hasn’t been extensively studied.
As with any supplement, weighing the potential benefits against the risks is important. While fisetin may have some health benefits, its safety is not fully understood. As always, talking to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen is a good idea.
FAQs:
Does fisetin help with weight loss?
While fisetin has been studied for its potential health benefits, there is limited research specifically focused on fisetin’s role in weight loss.
Where can I find fisetin?
You can find fisetin in various natural food sources, including strawberries, apples, onions, cucumbers, grapes, kiwis, and persimmons. In addition to natural food sources, fisetin supplements are also available in health food stores or online.
Is fisetin supplement safe?
The safety of fisetin supplements is still uncertain. These supplements contain much higher doses of fisetin than what is naturally found in food, and there have not been enough studies on their long-term effects on human health.
Does fisetin work?
Fisetin has shown promising potential in various areas, including its antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotective abilities, and potential anti-cancer properties. It may also support cognition and exhibit senolytic properties.
While studies have provided positive findings, research on fisetin is still ongoing, and more studies are needed, particularly in humans, to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term effects.
What is bio-fisetin?
Bio-fisetin is a modified form of fisetin that has been developed to overcome its poor absorption and susceptibility to breakdown in the intestines. It aims to improve fisetin’s absorption and effectiveness in the body when consumed as a dietary supplement.
Final Thoughts
While the safety of fisetin supplements is still uncertain, consuming fisetin from fruits and vegetables is a safe and enjoyable way to potentially experience its health benefits.
It’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before using any new supplement, including fisetin, to ensure it is safe for you and does not interact with existing medications or health conditions.
References
- Ahmad et al. 2017. Neuroprotective Effect of Fisetin Against Amyloid-Beta-Induced Cognitive/Synaptic Dysfunction, Neuroinflammation, and Neurodegeneration in Adult Mice.
- Chiang et al. 2015. Fisetin Ameliorated Photodamage by Suppressing the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Matrix Metalloproteinase Pathway and Nuclear Factor-κB Pathways.
- Farsad-Naeimi et al. 2018. Effect of fisetin supplementation on inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinase enzymes in colorectal cancer patients.
- Grynkiewicz et al. 2019. New Perspectives for Fisetin.
- Imran et al. 2020. Fisetin: An anticancer perspective.
- Kirkland et al. 2020. Senolytic drugs: from discovery to translation.
- Maher. 2021. Preventing and Treating Neurological Disorders with the Flavonol Fisetin.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2013. Antioxidants: In Depth.
- Pal et al. 2015. Fisetin inhibits UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation and activation of PI3K/AKT/NFκB signaling pathways in SKH-1 hairless mice.
- Pal et al. 2016. Fisetin and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
- Rahmani et al. 2022. The Potential Role of Fisetin, a Flavonoid in Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
- Ravula et al. 2021. Fisetin, potential flavonoid with multifarious targets for treating neurological disorders: An updated review.
- Regulski. 2017. Cellular Senescence: What, Why, and How.
- Sun et al. 2021. Fisetin inhibits inflammation and induces autophagy by mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.
- Wang et al. 2019. Fisetin Prolongs Therapy Window of Brain Ischemic Stroke Using Tissue Plasminogen Activator: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
- Yousefzadeh et al. 2018. Fisetin is a senotherapeutic that extends health and lifespan.
Maggie Aime, BSN, RN
Maggie Aime, BSN, RN is a freelance health, wellness, and medical personal finance writer. Her extensive nursing experience includes oncology, kidney transplant, cardiology, and home health. Read more about her work at www.thewritern.com.
