Is dihydroquercetin the same as quercetin dihydrate?

Although dihydroquercetin and quercetin dihydrate have similar names, they are essentially different in chemical structure, biological properties, functional applications, etc. Quercetin dihydrate and quercetin anhydrous are both different hydrate forms of quercetin, while dihydroquercetin (DHQ) is a hydrogenated derivative of quercetin, a flavonoid compound with a more stable structure and higher solubility. The following article will explore their similarities and differences in structure, physical properties, biological activity, production process and application prospects, to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the different properties of dihydroquercetin and quercetin dihydrate.

Structural composition
1. Structure and chemical nature
Quercetin , as a flavonoid compound, has a chemical formula of C15H10O7 and is a naturally occurring ingredient in many plants. Quercetin dihydrate has two crystal water molecules (C15H14O9) attached to its crystal structure. Quercetin dihydrate can be dehydrated to obtain anhydrous quercetin at 95-97°C. Dihydroquercetin (chemical formula C15H12O7) is a reduction product of quercetin. It is formed by hydrogenating the 2,3 double bonds in the quercetin nucleus, reducing the unsaturated structure in the molecule, so its chemical stability, solubility and biological activity are enhanced.

2. Solubility
Quercetin and its dihydrate (i.e., quercetin dihydrate) have extremely low solubility in water, resulting in limited bioavailability in the body. In contrast, dihydroquercetin lacks double bonds at positions 2 and 3 in its structure, has weak intermolecular hydrogen bonding, has high water solubility, and significantly improves its absorbability in the human body. This solubility difference is very critical in practical applications. Dihydroquercetin can be used as a functional food ingredient and is easier to prepare into beverages, oral liquids and other products.

3. Physical properties
Dihydrate quercetin is a yellow needle-shaped crystal or crystalline powder. Anhydrous quercetin and its dihydrate are both yellow. They are almost insoluble in water under normal conditions but easily soluble in ethanol. Dihydroquercetin is a light yellow or pale yellow powder, which is brighter in color than dihydrate quercetin. Due to its good water solubility, its metabolic pathway in the body and the release rate of active ingredients are faster.

4. Source
Dihydrate quercetin is mainly derived from the dried flower buds of Sophora japonica L., and quercetin is obtained after extraction and purification of Sophora japonica. In experiments and production, rutin is usually extracted from Sophora japonica by alkali extraction and acid precipitation, and then hydrolyzed to obtain quercetin. In contrast, dihydroquercetin has two main sources: one is obtained by hydrogenating the double bonds of quercetin, and the other is extracted from larch tree segments.

Antioxidant properties
As an important antioxidant, quercetin can effectively remove free radicals and slow down cell aging. Dihydroquercetin is difficult to dissolve in water, which affects its antioxidant effect in the body. Due to its high water solubility, dihydroquercetin is more easily absorbed by the human body, further enhancing its antioxidant effect. It is widely used in cardiovascular health and immune system support products.

Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects
Dihydroquercetin and anhydrous quercetin have certain anti-inflammatory activity, which can inhibit the release of multiple inflammatory mediators and help relieve chronic inflammatory diseases such as bronchitis. Dihydroquercetin is more effective in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory aspects, especially in experimental models of allergic inflammatory reactions and rheumatoid arthritis. Dihydroquercetin can inhibit the excessive release of inflammatory factors and has a significant effect on regulating immune balance, becoming an important component in developing anti-allergic products.

Cardiovascular protection and metabolic regulation
Dihydroquercetin is widely used in cardiovascular protection such as lowering blood pressure, increasing capillary elasticity, and improving blood lipid metabolism. Studies have shown that dihydroquercetin has higher activity in these functions, especially in coronary artery dilation and increased blood flow. In addition, dihydroquercetin also shows significant potential for metabolic syndrome and blood sugar regulation, so it is gradually favored in the development of products such as anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, and auxiliary blood sugar reduction.

Liver protection and alcohol sobering effect
The role of dihydroquercetin in liver protection has been confirmed in many studies. It can significantly reduce the oxidative stress generated during ethanol metabolism, thereby protecting liver cells from damage. Therefore, dihydroquercetin is widely used in alcohol sobering and liver protection products, especially in preventing alcoholic fatty liver and liver fibrosis.

Production process
Dihydroquercetin is mainly obtained by plant extraction. As an important natural source of quercetin, the extraction process of Sophora japonica usually includes alkali extraction, acid precipitation, crystallization separation and other processes. Dihydroquercetin needs to be hydrogenated to change its structure to ensure that the double bond is completely reduced. This hydrogenation process requires not only a high level of technology, but also strict control of the temperature, pressure and catalyst of the hydrogenation process to ensure the purity of the product and the stability of the ingredients.

Quality inspection
The purity of quercetin and its dihydrate is usually quantitatively analyzed by HPLC and UV detection technology. The conventional standard for detection is 95% or 98%, and a high-purity product of more than 99% can be provided. The testing indicators of dihydroquercetin are more stringent, including component analysis, water solubility testing, purity determination, stability testing and other contents to ensure that it is suitable for high-quality health foods and medicinal ingredients.

Stability and packaging requirements
Both quercetin and dihydroquercetin need to be stored in a cool and dry place, avoiding light and high temperature. Dihydroquercetin has good chemical stability and is relatively stable under the influence of light, temperature and humidity, but it should also be noted to avoid long-term exposure. Dihydrate quercetin is susceptible to moisture and must be stored in a sealed and dry condition.

Functional foods and health products
As concepts such as anti-oxidation and anti-aging are gaining attention worldwide, dihydroquercetin, as a new natural antioxidant, has unique appeal in the health food market due to its good solubility and high absorption rate. Especially for the field of immunomodulation and antioxidant products, the high bioavailability of dihydroquercetin makes it an ideal ingredient in many products, and it is expected to be more widely used in antioxidant beverages, immune enhancers, anti-inflammatory food supplements, etc. in the future.

Medical auxiliary ingredients
Dihydroquercetin has multiple biological activities in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, etc., which makes it show broad application prospects in the medical field. Its effects in improving metabolic syndrome, preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, protecting the liver, and relieving allergic symptoms have been supported by clinical research and are widely used in pharmaceutical and auxiliary treatment products.

For the health food and pharmaceutical industries, it is crucial to choose high-quality dihydroquercetin and quercetin products. As a professional plant extract manufacturer, Xi'an Kintai Biotech Inc. is committed to providing dihydroquercetin powder and quercetin series products that meet international high quality standards. The company uses advanced plant extraction and hydrogenation technology to ensure the high purity and biological activity of the products. At the same time, it has a strict quality control system and can provide high-quality and stable products according to customer needs. Our products have excellent performance in anti-oxidation, cardiovascular health, immune regulation, etc., and are your reliable partner for the supply of raw materials for health products. For more information, please contact Email: sales@kintaibio.com | WhatsApp: +86-181 8259 4708