Taxifolin — Dihydroquercetin (Flavanonol · Capillary-Strengthening · Hepatoprotective)
| Compound | Taxifolin (Dihydroquercetin) |
| Chemical class | Polyphenol — Flavanonol (3-Hydroxy-2,3-dihydroflavone) |
| CAS | 480-18-2 |
| Primary source | Larix sibirica (Siberian larch wood/bark), Pinus spp. |
| Key applications | Antioxidant, capillary-strengthening, hepatoprotective |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Larch wood extract; taxifolin isolate (Dihydroquercetin) |
Name origin: Taxifolin derives from Taxus (yew), where it was first identified, but Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) is the primary commercial production source. Also widely known as dihydroquercetin (DHQ) — quercetin with the C2=C3 double bond reduced to a single bond, placing it in the flavanonol (dihydroflavonol) subclass. Traditional use: Siberian larch and related conifers have been used in Russian traditional medicine for circulatory and hepatic support. Taxifolin-rich larch extract has been sold as a cardiovascular supplement in Russia for several decades under the name Dihydroquercetin. Research trajectory: Taxifolin has a well-developed Russian scientific literature alongside growing Western research. It has cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, and capillary-strengthening evidence, with a number of human trials primarily from Russian sources. Commercial source: Herbuno does not currently carry a dedicated taxifolin extract (product-pending).
Evidence for Taxifolin Applications
Capillary-strengthening and vascular support: Taxifolin stabilises vascular endothelium by inhibiting hyaluronidase and collagenase (similar to OPCs), reducing capillary fragility and permeability. Russian clinical studies show improvements in capillary microcirculation and reduced bruising tendency in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antioxidant capacity: Taxifolin has very high DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity, comparable to quercetin despite lacking the C2=C3 double bond, due to its catechol B-ring and C-3 hydroxyl. It is a potent metal chelator and lipid peroxidation inhibitor. Claim strength: Moderate.
Hepatoprotective activity: Animal models of hepatotoxicity (CCl4, ethanol) show taxifolin reduces liver enzyme elevation and hepatic lipid peroxidation. Mechanisms include Nrf2 activation and mitochondrial protection. Human hepatoprotective evidence is limited to observational data from taxifolin-rich larch preparations. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical convergent; limited human data).
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
Russian supplement and clinical contexts: 50–200 mg/day taxifolin from Siberian larch extract, taken in divided doses. Higher doses (up to 1000 mg/day) have been used in Russian hepatoprotection studies without reported adverse effects.
Specify taxifolin content by HPLC (≥90% or ≥95% purity for isolate). Larch-derived taxifolin is distinct from synthetic DHQ; botanical source declaration is appropriate. Ensure the CoA specifies Larix sibirica as source and reports residual solvent levels if solvent extraction was used.
Taxifolin has good water solubility relative to many flavonoids (approximately 3 mg/mL at neutral pH) — superior to quercetin and suitable for aqueous beverage applications without solubilisation aids. Stable under acidic conditions; less stable in alkaline formats. Heat-stable to 100°C for short exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions — Taxifolin
Is taxifolin the same as quercetin?
No. Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is quercetin’s dihydro analogue — the C2=C3 double bond in quercetin is saturated in taxifolin, placing it in the flavanonol class rather than the flavonol class. This structural difference affects bioavailability (taxifolin is more water-soluble), antioxidant mechanism, and metabolic handling.
Why is taxifolin particularly associated with Russian research?
The primary commercial production of taxifolin is from Siberian larch (Larix sibirica), a tree abundant in Russia. Soviet and Russian research programs extensively investigated its cardiovascular and radioprotective applications, creating a significant scientific literature base that is underrepresented in Western databases due to publication language barriers.
Does taxifolin have better bioavailability than quercetin?
Taxifolin’s higher water solubility means it dissolves more readily in aqueous GI fluid, potentially improving dissolution-limited absorption compared to quercetin. However, taxifolin lacks quercetin’s conjugated chromone system, which may affect target protein affinity. Comparative human pharmacokinetic studies are limited; generally taxifolin is considered bioavailable at standard doses.
Is taxifolin suitable for inclusion in beverage formats?
Yes — its water solubility is one of its practical formulation advantages. Taxifolin dissolves in aqueous formats without requiring solubilisation aids, compatible with functional waters, teas, and health shots. Stable at pH 3.0–6.0 at standard beverage processing temperatures.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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