What is Taxifolin?

In the field of natural active ingredient research, dihydroquercetin (also known as taxifolin) has attracted attention due to its multiple bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. As a flavonoid derived from plants such as Siberian larch, it has application value in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This article will systematically analyze the chemical properties, mechanism of action, and cross-disciplinary applications of dihydroquercetin, providing readers with a comprehensive component analysis.

At the industrial application level, obtaining high-purity, stable-quality raw materials is fundamental to realizing its application value. Currently, China has the production capacity for dihydroquercetin, with KintaiBio^® being one of the companies capable of large-scale production, providing a market supply option for this ingredient. This article will then discuss dihydroquercetin in detail.

Table of Contents:

• Chemical Basis
• Natural Sources and Extraction Processes
• Bioactivity and Pharmacological Actions
• Application Areas
• Safety, Toxicology, and Regulatory Status

Taxifolin dihydroquercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits unique chemical structure properties that directly determine its broad biological activity and application potential. Chemically, dihydroquercetin belongs to the flavanol class, and its systematic name is (2R,3R)-2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one. This complex chemical structure lays the foundation for its unique physicochemical properties and biological functions.

1.1 Basic Chemical Characteristics
The basic chemical characteristics of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin can be summarized by its molecular formula, molecular weight, and morphological appearance. Its molecular formula is C₁₅H₁₂O₇, and its molecular weight is 304.25 g/mol. In its pure state, Taxifolin dihydroquercetin is a yellow to yellowish-white crystalline powder, a color characteristic closely related to its highly conjugated electronic system. Its crystals melt and decompose at approximately 237°C, a physical property requiring special attention during processing and storage.

Dihydroquercetin exhibits a dual solubility characteristic: it is slightly soluble in water but has good solubility in organic solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Specifically, its solubility in a 1:1 mixture of DMSO and PBS (pH 7.2) is approximately 0.5 mg/mL. This solubility directly affects its bioavailability and formulation design, making it an important consideration in product development.

1.2 Stereochemical Characteristics
The main difference in chemical structure between dihydroquercetin and ordinary quercetin lies in the two chiral centers (C2 and C3 positions) on its C-ring. This results in the existence of multiple stereoisomers of dihydroquercetin, the most common and biologically active of which is the (2R,3R) configuration, commonly known as (+)-dihydroquercetin. This stereochemical complexity not only affects its chemical reactivity but also directly relates to the efficiency of its interactions with various enzymes and receptors in vivo.

Table: Comparison of Major Stereochemical Variants of Dihydroquercetin

1.3 Identification and Characterization
The chemical identification of dihydroquercetin DHQ can be achieved through various analytical methods. Its CAS registry number is 480-18-2, a unique chemical identifier crucial in academic research and commercial trade. In UV-Vis spectroscopy, dihydroquercetin exhibits maximum absorption peaks at 290 nm and 327 nm in methanol solution; this characteristic is commonly used for its qualitative and quantitative analysis. Furthermore, its InChIKey, CXQWRCVTCMQVQX-LSDHHAIUSA-N, provides a digital fingerprint of its standard stereochemical structure.

The chemical stability of dihydroquercetin is significantly affected by storage conditions. Studies have shown that its chemical structure remains stable over long periods under conditions of room temperature, protection from light, and dryness. However, under extreme pH, high temperature, or the presence of strong oxidants, its active phenolic hydroxyl groups are prone to oxidation, leading to decreased activity. Therefore, in practical applications and product formulations, appropriate protective measures are required to maintain their chemical integrity.

The distribution of dihydroquercetin in nature exhibits certain specificity, mainly concentrated in certain plant families and genera, with conifers being the richest source. Understanding its natural forms and extraction methods is crucial for resource development and utilization, as well as product quality control.

2.1 Plant Sources
The existence of dihydroquercetin in the plant kingdom follows a certain phylogenetic pattern. Its main natural sources include:
Conifers: Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) is one of the richest sources of dihydroquercetin, with its wood and bark containing large amounts of this compound. Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) bark is also an important source of dihydroquercetin, and it was first isolated from this plant. Other conifers rich in dihydroquercetin include Himalayan longleaf pine (Pinus roxburghii) and cedar (Cedrus deodara).

Medicinal and Edible Plants: Silymarin extract from milk thistle seeds contains a certain amount of dihydroquercetin. French seashore pine bark, a traditional source of flavonoids, also contains this component. Among edible plants, onions, olive oil, and red wine are common dietary sources of dihydroquercetin. Interestingly, Taxifolin dihydroquercetin has also been detected in the traditional Japanese food, adzuki-meshi (red bean rice).

Other Sources: Recent studies have found Taxifolin dihydroquercetin in vinegar aged in cherry wood barrels, possibly as a result of its dissolution from the wood. In addition, grapes, green tea, and some berries also contain small amounts of dihydroquercetin.

2.2 Extraction and Purification Technologies
Commercial extraction of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin primarily employs modern processes to ensure high yield and high purity. Currently, mainstream extraction methods include solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. When extracting dihydroquercetin from Siberian larch, the wood is typically first pulverized, then extracted using an ethanol-water mixture, and finally purified through a multi-step process to obtain a product with a purity exceeding 98%.

Optimization of the extraction process is crucial for ensuring product quality and reducing production costs. Kintaibio's production under cGMP conditions includes a rigorous quality control system to ensure controllability throughout the entire process from raw materials to finished product. They use HPLC to detect the purity of dihydroquercetin; high-quality products on the market typically guarantee a purity of 95%-98%.

Advances in purification technology have made it possible to obtain high-purity Taxifolin dihydroquercetin. Crystallization is a commonly used purification method; by controlling parameters such as solvent, temperature, and pH, different specifications of the final product can be obtained. Both China and Russia are leaders in the production of high-purity dihydroquercetin, with products achieving a purity of up to 99.5%, and have obtained multiple international certifications, including FDA, ISO 9001:2015, and HACCP.

Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin, as a natural active ingredient, derives its value primarily from its diverse and potent bioactivity. From antioxidant to anti-inflammatory, from cardiovascular protection to neuroprotection, its multifaceted pharmacological effects form the basis for its wide application.

3.1 Antioxidant Activity Mechanism

The antioxidant capacity of dihydroquercetin is one of its most significant biological characteristics. Its antioxidant mechanisms are diverse and highly efficient, mainly including:

Direct Free Radical Scavenging: The multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups in the Taxifolin dihydroquercetin molecule can directly neutralize various free radicals, including superoxide anion (·O₂⁻), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and peroxy radicals (ROO·). Studies have shown that dihydroquercetin exhibits strong scavenging ability against DPPH· and ABTS⁺· free radicals, and its IC₅₀ value adjusts with changes in pH.

Metal ion chelation: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin can form stable complexes with copper (Cu²⁺) and iron (Fe³⁺) ions, reducing the likelihood of these transition metal ions participating in the Fenton reaction and thus inhibiting the generation of hydroxyl radicals. In the Fe²⁺ binding assay, dihydroquercetin produces a green solution and exhibits two characteristic absorption peaks in the UV-Vis spectrum, visually demonstrating its metal chelating ability.

Enzyme antioxidant system regulation: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin can activate intracellular antioxidant reactive elements (AREs), promoting the expression of phase II detoxification enzymes such as quinone oxidoreductases, and enhancing the overall antioxidant defense capacity of cells.

The antioxidant efficacy of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin has been verified through various experimental systems.

ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assays show that the antioxidant activity of dihydroquercetin is significantly higher than other common antioxidants-23 times higher than vitamin E, and also higher than flavonoids such as quercetin and catechins. This powerful antioxidant activity is directly related to its role in protecting biomolecules (lipids, proteins, DNA) from oxidative damage.

3.2 Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin exerts its anti-inflammatory effect through a multi-target mechanism, with the main pathways including:

Regulation of Inflammatory Signaling Pathways: Studies have shown that Taxifolin dihydroquercetin can inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing the production of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in Raw 264.7 cells, dihydroquercetin treatment significantly reduced the transcriptional levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TLR-4.

Inhibition of Inflammatory Enzyme Expression: Dihydroquercetin can inhibit the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reducing the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and NO.** Studies on rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury have shown that dihydroquercetin treatment effectively inhibits the expression of COX-2 and iNOS in brain tissue.

Leukocyte infiltration inhibition: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin can reduce the expression of adhesion molecules such as Mac-1 and ICAM-1, inhibiting the migration and infiltration of leukocytes to inflammatory sites and alleviating local inflammatory responses.

Notably, Taxifolin dihydroquercetin can also activate the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis, enhancing Nrf2 expression and phosphorylation, thereby enhancing the cellular antioxidant stress capacity, which is closely related to its anti-inflammatory effect. In animal experiments, pre-administration of dihydroquercetin significantly improved the survival rate of mice exposed to the bacterial endotoxin LPS.

3.3 Cardiovascular protective effects
The protective effects of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin on the cardiovascular system are mainly reflected in several aspects:

Improved vascular function: Clinical studies have shown that dihydroquercetin can improve the elasticity of erythrocytes, allowing them to pass more easily through the smallest blood vessels, thus improving microcirculation. Simultaneously, it enhances the strength and elasticity of blood vessel walls and reduces capillary permeability.

Blood Pressure Regulation: Studies in hypertensive patients have shown that dihydroquercetin has a clear antihypertensive effect. A study on patients with neuropathy and hypertension found that adding 40mg of dihydroquercetin to conventional antihypertensive treatment resulted in a faster onset of antihypertensive effects (taking effect within 1-2 days) without requiring an increase in the dosage of conventional medications.

Improved Blood Rheology: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin can reduce blood viscosity and clotting tendency, improving blood circulation. Two clinical studies involving 52 patients with cerebral circulatory problems showed that 21 days of dihydroquercetin supplementation combined with vitamin C significantly improved these parameters.

Prevention of Atherosclerosis: Dihydroquercetin slows the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and reducing vascular inflammation. Its ability to inhibit the production of reactive nitrogen species by myeloperoxidase (MPO) also has a positive impact on cholesterol biosynthesis and arterial health.

3.4 Neuroprotective Potential
Dihydroquercetin exhibits multifaceted potential in neuroprotection, particularly in age-related neurodegenerative diseases:

Alzheimer's Disease Prevention and Treatment: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin inhibits the deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in cerebral blood vessels and brain parenchyma, a major pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). CAA is present in over 90% of Alzheimer's patients, indicating a shared pathogenic mechanism in these two diseases.

Improved Cognitive Function: Clinical studies show that dihydroquercetin supplementation significantly improves various symptoms associated with cerebrovascular diseases, particularly headaches, insomnia, weakness, autonomic vascular problems, and dizziness. These improvements are even more pronounced in patients with post-stroke encephalopathy.

Enhanced Mood and Memory: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin treatment reduces problems such as mood instability, irritability, anxiety, depression, hypochondria, and excessive focus on personal feelings. Two-thirds of patients showed improved cognitive and memory indicators, as well as increased attention and concentration, after taking dihydroquercetin. The memory improvement rate reached 70%, and the performance memory capacity increased by 66.7%.

3.5 Metabolic Regulation Effects
The regulatory effects of dihydroquercetin on metabolic disorders are mainly reflected in:

Diabetes Management: Dihydroquercetin can inhibit the pro-inflammatory activity of neutrophils in patients with type 2 diabetes, helping to protect the vascular system from the harmful effects of the disease. By reducing oxidative stress, dihydroquercetin can alleviate neuropathic pain in a diabetic model.

Lipid Metabolism Regulation: Dihydroquercetin has anti-hyperlipidemic activity, maintaining a normal lipid profile in the liver and keeping lipid excretion at normal levels. It prevents hyperlipidemia by reducing cellular cholesterol esterification, phospholipid and triglyceride synthesis.

Liver protection: With its significant antioxidant potency, dihydroquercetin can protect the liver from toxins and viruses. It also shows therapeutic potential in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Dihydroquercetin, with its diverse biological activities and high safety profile, has been widely used in multiple fields. From pharmaceuticals and healthcare to the food industry, from cosmetics to agriculture, its application scope is constantly expanding.

4.1 Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Applications
In the pharmaceutical field, the application of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin is mainly based on its therapeutic effects and bioregulatory functions:

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment: Dihydroquercetin is used to treat hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other circulatory system diseases. It exerts its therapeutic effects by improving vascular function, reducing blood viscosity, and inhibiting oxidative stress. In Russia, drugs containing dihydroquercetin have been used clinically, showing effects in improving microcirculation and reducing the risk of stroke.

Adjunctive Treatment for Liver Diseases: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin, as a hepatoprotective agent, is used to treat hepatitis, toxic liver injury, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It reduces hepatocellular damage by activating the antioxidant system and inhibiting inflammatory responses.

Nervous System Disease Management: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin is used to improve cerebral circulatory disorders, encephalopathy, and post-stroke sequelae. Clinical studies have confirmed that it can improve symptoms such as headache, insomnia, and dizziness, and enhance memory and cognitive function.

Metabolic Disease Intervention: Dihydroquercetin is used as an adjunct treatment for diabetes and its complications, particularly diabetic neuropathy. It alleviates disease progression by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

COVID-19-Related Pneumonia Recovery: Russian researchers are studying the effects of dihydroquercetin on patients recovering from COVID-19-related pneumonia. A clinical trial initiated in 2021 involved 100 patients taking 30 mg of dihydroquercetin daily, investigating its effects on respiratory function, arterial wall condition, and quality of life.

4.2 Food Industry Applications
In the food industry, dihydroquercetin is mainly used as a natural antioxidant and functional food ingredient:

Natural Preservative: As an antioxidant, dihydroquercetin can extend the shelf life of food by 1.5-4 times by delaying food oxidation. Its applications include dairy products, confectionery, meat products, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Functional Food Ingredients: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin, when combined with arabinogalactan, can be used as a dietary ingredient in food products. This combination improves product stability and enhances health benefits.

Quality Preservative: During food processing and storage, dihydroquercetin protects food ingredients from oxidative degradation, maintaining sensory quality and nutritional value.

4.3 Cosmetic Applications
In the cosmetics field, the value of dihydroquercetin primarily stems from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties:

Anti-aging Products: Dihydroquercetin inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reducing the degradation of collagen and elastin, and preventing premature skin aging. Skincare products containing dihydroquercetin can help improve dry, dull, inflamed, and red skin.

Whitening and Spot-Fading Products: Dihydroquercetin inhibits tyrosinase activity, reducing melanin synthesis and brightening the skin. Studies show that its effect in inhibiting melanin production is comparable to arbutin, but with a higher safety profile.

Sunscreen and Repair Products: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin possesses photoprotective properties, protecting skin from UV damage. Its antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals generated by UV rays, mitigating photoaging.

4.4 Agricultural and Livestock Applications
The application of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin in agriculture and livestock is gaining increasing attention:

Animal Feeding: Adding dihydroquercetin to poultry and livestock feed can improve animal disease resistance, environmental adaptability, and daily weight gain, improve meat quality, reduce indigestion, and lower feed costs. It can also increase egg production in laying hens and milk production in dairy cows.

Apiculture: Using dihydroquercetin in beekeeping can stimulate queen bee fertility and increase honey production in bee colonies.

Agricultural Production: Dihydroquercetin, when used in fertilizers, can increase crop yield, prevent crop diseases, enhance crop flavor, and improve germination rates.

A comprehensive understanding of the safety and regulatory status of dihydroquercetin is crucial for its rational application and product development.

5.1 Safety and Toxicology
The safety profile of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin is better than other flavonoids:

Genogenicity: Studies have shown that dihydroquercetin is not mutagenic and has lower toxicity than related quercetins. Comparative mutagenicity studies using Salmonella TA102 and Escherichia coli WP-2 uvrA test strains in the Ames assay showed that dihydroquercetin is safer than quercetin.

Cytotoxicity: The potential toxicity of dihydroquercetin to normal bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) was measured using the CCK-8 assay. Results showed that it had no effect on the proliferation of normal bmMSCs and no toxic effects.

Precautions for Use: Although dihydroquercetin has a generally good safety profile, very high doses may cause adverse effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or allergic reactions. It is recommended that individuals with underlying medical conditions or currently taking medication consult a healthcare professional before use.

5.2 Drug Interactions
The interactions of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin with drug-metabolizing enzymes are noteworthy:

CYP450 Inhibition: Predictive data show that dihydroquercetin may inhibit the CYP450 enzyme system, particularly CYP1A2 (probability 0.9106) and CYP3A4 (probability 0.6951). This may affect the blood concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

P-Glycoprotein Regulation: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin may inhibit the overexpression of P-glycoprotein, which may increase the intracellular accumulation of certain chemotherapeutic drugs (such as doxorubicin).

Antibiotic Synergy: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin may enhance the in vitro efficacy of conventional antibiotics such as levofloxacin and ceftazidime, showing potential for combination therapy in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.

5.3 Regulatory Status
The global regulatory status of dihydroquercetin varies by region and application:

United States: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin is generally considered safe (GRAS) by the FDA and can be used as a food additive or dietary supplement.

European Union: Taxifolin Dihydroquercetin is approved as a food additive and listed in the EU Register of Feed Additives. However, its use in cosmetics may require compliance with additional regulations and safety assessments.

Russia: As of the end of 2016, more than 400 products containing dihydroquercetin were registered with the Russian Federal Regulatory Agency, including more than 200 bioactive dietary supplements, more than 60 food products, and approximately 100 cosmetic products.

China: As a plant extract, dihydroquercetin can be used in health foods and cosmetics. Several Chinese companies produce and supply dihydroquercetin powder, and their products meet relevant standards.

Dihydroquercetin, a multifunctional natural active substance, possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties, with applications spanning multiple fields including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agriculture. With in-depth research and advancements in production technology, dihydroquercetin shows great promise in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases.

The future success of dihydroquercetin research will depend on multidisciplinary collaboration, the accumulation of clinical evidence, and the development of innovative formulation technologies. As our understanding of the health value of natural products deepens, dihydroquercetin is expected to become an important component of preventive medicine and integrative healthcare, bringing greater benefits to human health. However, before its widespread clinical application, more rigorously designed human trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

As of the end of 2016, there were over 400 registered products containing Taxifolin dihydroquercetin in Russia, covering nutritional supplements, food, and cosmetics, demonstrating its broad market application prospects.

If your brand is looking for reliable dihydroquercetin raw materials, KintaiBio is worth considering. As one of China's leading manufacturers of natural product ingredients, KintaiBio possesses the following advantages:

• Production Capacity: A 12,000-square-meter GMP-standard factory and a 100,000-level cleanroom provide capacity and quality assurance for large-scale production.
• R&D Capacity: The company has invested in a 600-square-meter R&D center and boasts a research team composed of highly educated professionals with master's degrees or higher, dedicated to product development and technological innovation.
• Quality Certifications: Passed multiple authoritative domestic and international certifications, including ISO9001, ISO9001/22000, HACCP, and Kosher, ensuring that products meet international food-grade standards.
• Product Range: Offers a variety of natural product extracts and pharmaceutical intermediates, including dihydroquercetin.

We hope the above information helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of Taxifolin dihydroquercetin. If you would like to explore more details about Taxifolin dihydroquercetin for your brand's products, we are happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact us anytime. For detailed inquiries, please contact sales@kintaibio.com