Myricetin
Also known as: 3,3′,4′,5,5′,7-Hexahydroxyflavone, Myricetin
Overview
Myricetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, a type of polyphenolic compound, found in various fruits, vegetables, teas, and berries. It is recognized for its antioxidant properties and is available as a dietary supplement ingredient. Primary applications focus on its potential therapeutic effects in managing metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer prevention, and promoting cardiovascular health. Myricetin exhibits several key characteristics, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and metabolic regulatory activities. Research on myricetin is moderately advanced, with extensive preclinical evidence from animal and in vitro studies. While clinical data is emerging, more human trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. It is available in purified flavonoid extracts and plant-based supplements.
Benefits
Myricetin has demonstrated significant improvements in glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in mouse models of metabolic diseases. A meta-analysis of 21 studies (514 mice) showed that myricetin supplementation reduced blood glucose, insulin levels, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. However, no statistically significant effect on HDL cholesterol was observed. Secondary effects include neuroprotective benefits in rodent models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, primarily through antioxidant mechanisms and modulation of amyloid-beta metabolism. Furthermore, in vitro and animal studies suggest anti-cancer potential in prostate and bladder cancer, although clinical evidence is currently lacking. The evidence is primarily derived from animal models, necessitating further human trials to validate these findings.
How it works
Myricetin modulates glucose metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels. It regulates lipid metabolism by lowering triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. As an antioxidant, it reduces oxidative stress markers and enhances antioxidant enzymes in nervous tissue. Myricetin interacts with metabolic, nervous, and potentially oncogenic pathways. Molecular targets include the inhibition of β-secretase (BACE-1) and promotion of α-secretase (ADAM10) in neuronal cells, which reduces amyloid-beta accumulation. It also modulates enzymes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. The absorption and bioavailability of myricetin are moderate, influenced by metabolism and gut microbiota.
Side effects
Myricetin is generally considered safe in animal studies at the tested doses; however, human safety data are limited. Common side effects are not well documented in humans, and animal studies have not reported major adverse effects. Uncommon and rare side effects are unknown due to the lack of clinical data. Potential drug interactions may occur with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes due to flavonoid activity, but specifics are not well-studied. Contraindications are not established, and caution is advised during pregnancy, lactation, and in patients on multiple medications until human safety is confirmed. Special population considerations lack sufficient data, necessitating further research to establish a comprehensive safety profile.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of myricetin has not been established in humans, and animal studies have used variable doses. Optimal dosage ranges are currently unknown, necessitating further clinical trials. The maximum safe dose is also undefined. Timing considerations for myricetin administration have not been established. It is typically administered as purified flavonoid extracts or in plant-based supplements. Bioavailability may be enhanced by co-administration with fats or other bioenhancers. No required cofactors have been identified. Due to the limited human data, it is essential to consult healthcare providers before using myricetin supplements to determine appropriate and safe dosages.
FAQs
Is myricetin safe to take as a supplement?
Animal studies suggest safety, but human safety data are lacking. Consult healthcare providers before use to ensure it is appropriate for your health conditions and medications.
Can myricetin help with diabetes?
Preclinical evidence indicates potential benefits in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, human trials are needed to confirm these effects and determine the optimal dosage.
How long does it take to see effects from myricetin?
In animal models, effects appear after several weeks of supplementation. Human timelines are currently unknown, requiring further clinical investigation.
Does myricetin interact with medications?
Possible interactions with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes exist, but these are not well-studied. Consult your healthcare provider to assess potential interactions.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39519561/ – This meta-analysis of in vivo mouse studies (21 studies, 514 mice) found that myricetin supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose, insulin, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The study highlights the potential of myricetin in improving metabolic parameters, but the findings need confirmation in human trials due to the heterogeneity observed across the included studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/21/3730 – This article likely discusses the broader applications of myricetin and other flavonoids in nutrition. Further examination of the full text would be needed to extract specific findings related to myricetin's effects and mechanisms of action, particularly in the context of human health and dietary supplementation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8621729/ – This systematic review of flavonols in prostate and bladder cancer found that myricetin shows anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in vitro and in animal models. The review underscores the need for clinical research to validate these preclinical findings and determine the potential of myricetin as an anti-cancer agent in humans.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.797298/full – This review on the neuroprotective effects of myricetin indicates that it reduces amyloid-beta accumulation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis in rodent models of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms involve modulation of secretase enzymes and antioxidant enzyme activities, suggesting myricetin's potential in managing neurodegenerative disorders, though human clinical trials are needed.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1013449/full – This study likely explores the broader nutritional aspects and health benefits of myricetin. A detailed review of the full text would provide specific insights into myricetin's role in promoting overall health and preventing various diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
