Isorhamnetin NEW

Isorhamnetin is a naturally occurring O-methylated flavonol, a subclass of flavonoids, known for its diverse biological activities. Here's a structured overview:

1. Chemical Structure & Classification

• Structure: A methylated derivative of quercetin, with a methoxy (-OCH₃) group at the 3'-position of the B-ring.
  Molecular formula: C₁₆H₁₂O₇.

• Classification: Flavonoid (flavonol subgroup).

2. Natural Sources

• Plants: Found in various medicinal herbs and foods:

• Ginkgo biloba (leaves),

  Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn),

  Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear),

  Apples, onions, and berries.

• Forms: Often exists as glycosides (e.g., isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside) in plants.

3. Pharmacological Activities

• Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and enhances cellular antioxidant defenses.

• Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and enzymes (e.g., COX-2).

• Anticancer: Induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in cancer cells (e.g., breast, colon).

• Cardioprotective: Reduces oxidative stress and improves endothelial function.

• Antidiabetic: Enhances insulin sensitivity and inhibits α-glucosidase.

• Neuroprotective: Potential role in mitigating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s pathologies.

4. Mechanisms of Action

• Modulates signaling pathways: NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt.

• Activates Nrf2, boosting antioxidant enzyme production (e.g., SOD, catalase).

• Inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes.

5. Applications

• Nutraceuticals: Incorporated into supplements for antioxidant support.

• Cosmeceuticals: Used in anti-aging skincare products for UV protection and collagen synthesis.

• Drug Development: Investigated for cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disease therapies.

6. Metabolism & Bioavailability

• Absorption: Limited oral bioavailability due to low solubility and rapid metabolism.

• Metabolism: Undergoes phase II metabolism (glucuronidation, sulfation) in the liver.

• Excretion: Primarily via urine and feces.

7. Safety

• Generally recognized as safe at dietary levels.

• High doses may cause mild gastrointestinal issues; no significant toxicity reported in studies.

8. Recent Research Highlights

• Antiviral Potential: Studied against SARS-CoV-2 via inhibition of viral proteases.

• Gut Microbiota Interaction: Converted by gut bacteria into bioactive metabolites.

Isorhamnetin’s multifunctional properties make it a promising candidate for therapeutic and preventive health applications, though further clinical trials are needed to validate efficacy in humans. Always consult healthcare professionals before using it therapeutically.