Fisetin is a natural plant compound called flavanol. Many flavanols are found to be bioactive in the human body, contributing to cellular health by providing antioxidant support.
Fisetin, in particular, found in foods like strawberries, apples, and cucumbers, is unique among other flavonols for its potent antioxidant activity, neuroprotective support, and potential senolytic properties.
A senolytic is a compound that targets and helps eliminate senescent cells, which have stopped dividing and can contribute to aging. These senescent cells can accumulate in tissues over time, releasing harmful compounds that can affect the function of neighboring cells.
In this article, we'll explore fisetin's potential as a dietary supplement and its possible role as a natural senolytic compound.
Fisetin's Chemical Structure
Fisetin's (3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone) chemical structure includes hydroxyl groups, which are made up of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. These groups are important because they give fisetin an edge in supporting the body's natural defenses against harmful free radicals, where its antioxidant potential comes from [1].
In terms of bioavailability—how readily absorbed and used the compound is in the human body—fisetin faces some challenges, but there are ways to improve it. Fisetin dissolves better in fats, and eating fatty foods can help it get absorbed better in the intestines. Our bodies break down fisetin quickly, but even its broken-down parts can still be useful and active.
Scientists have also created special forms of fisetin, like tiny particles or mixes with other substances (liposomal), to help the flavonol absorb better. These advanced forms ensure more fisetin gets into the bloodstream and does its job effectively.
Is Fisetin a Synolytic?
A senolytic is a substance that helps eliminate old cells in our body that have stopped dividing.
These old cells, called senescent cells, can still release harmful chemicals that may cause problems in our tissues and contribute to aging and diseases. It's kind of like having one fruit in the fruit bowl go bad, where its mold can spread to the other ripe fruit, causing it to decay much quicker.
Removing these cells can help us stay healthier as we age and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Research suggests that fisetin might work as a senolytic [2].
Fisetin has been found to cause senescent cells to undergo apoptosis, a process where the cells self-destruct. More impressively, fisetin induces apoptosis without harming healthy cells. This suggests that fisetin could help manage cellular health as we age.
While this body of research is exciting, it's important that we clarify that no amount of fisetin consumed from foods or supplements will give you these same results.
These studies were conducted on murine models and isolated human fibroblasts. We're still unsure how effectively fisetin treatment would work in humans, as many other factors contribute to cellular metabolism.
Because of this, the FDA has not officially approved any fisetin-based pharmaceuticals for medical use. However, fisetin is available as a dietary supplement, which may help people fill nutritional gaps in their diet and support targeted health goals. Supplements are not a substitute for pharmaceuticals or treatment from a medical health professional but may complement it.
Studies on Fisetin's Potential Health Benefits
Beyond its potential to support the body's natural senolytic processes, researchers have also deeply investigated fisetin's other potential benefits, which give us insights into how this naturally occurring flavonol may help promote health.
Fisetin and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Fisetin has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties in various studies [3].
While inflammation is a part of a healthy immune system, too much inflammation can be a sign of disease. In these studies, fisetin was found to support the body's inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of cytokines, which signal the body to promote inflammation.
By reducing these cytokines, researchers believe fisetin may help to manage inflammation and support overall health. Again, this is based on preliminary studies, and we'll need more research with clinical trials to understand its full potential in humans for supporting inflammatory diseases.
Fisetin and Antibacterial Activity
It makes sense that fisetin would have antibacterial properties, as plants that produce fisetin and other flavonols use these compounds to defend against threats in their growing environment, such as bacterial infections, fungi, and other stressors.
Studies have found that fisetin can inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including some strains resistant to antibiotics [4].
This antibacterial activity is thought to be due to fisetin's ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with bacterial communication systems. These findings suggest that fisetin could potentially support the body's defense against bacterial infections.
With that said, we want to underscore again that fisetin shouldn't be your only line of defense against bacterial infections as this research is still in its early stages and that it's important that you seek help from your healthcare professional if you have a bacterial infection.
Fisetin and Prostate Health
Fisetin has also been studied for its potential benefits in supporting prostate health.
Research has found that fisetin can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduce the expression of androgen receptors, which are part of the development and progression of prostate cancer [5]. This research is done in conjunction with cancer therapy, not as a standalone treatment for cancer, and more research, including clinical trials, is needed to better understand fisetin's potential applications in cancer care.
What Is a Fisetin Supplement?
A fisetin supplement is a dietary product that contains concentrated amounts of fisetin, typically derived from natural sources like fruits and vegetables or synthesized in a laboratory.
Our fisetin supplements are derived from Japanese Wax Tree (Rhus succedanea) fruit extract for its high fisetin content.
These supplements are designed to help fill dietary gaps, allowing individuals to add fisetin into their daily routine more consistently and easily.
The best Fisetin supplements are typically marketed for their potent antioxidant potential and immune-supporting qualities, but they're not drugs, which means they should not be used as a treatment for any health condition or prevent disease. Rather, they should be considered part of a holistic approach to wellness.
How to Get More Fisetin In Your Diet
- Natural Dietary Sources: Fisetin is naturally present in several fruits and vegetables, with strawberries being one of the richest sources. Including these foods in your diet can provide a natural boost to your intake of fisetin.
- Fisetin Supplements: These are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders. Supplements have a higher and more consistent fisetin dosage than dietary sources alone.
The Takeaway: What Is Fisetin?
Fisetin is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to a class of chemicals called flavonols. It's found in strawberries, cucumbers, and our favorite source, the Japanese Wax Tree.
The research surrounding fisetin's benefits is still ongoing, particularly in its potential as a natural senolytic compound, which helps clean up senescent cells (that have stopped dividing), but there are positive findings on its action to support this in murine and isolated human cell models, which is promising for advancements into cellular health and aging.
Before you jump into a new supplement craze, it's important that you check with your healthcare provider and are well informed of the supplement's effects and limitations in helping you reach your wellness goals.
Resources:
- Khan, N., Syed, D. N., Ahmad, N., & Mukhtar, H. (2013). Fisetin: a dietary antioxidant for health promotion. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 19(2), 151-162.
- Yousefzadeh, M. J., Zhu, Y., McGowan, S. J., Angelini, L., Fuhrmann-Stroissnigg, H., Xu, M., Ling, Y. Y., Melos, K. I., Pirtskhalava, T., Inman, C. L., McGuckian, C., Wade, E. A., Kato, J. I., Grassi, D., Wentworth, M., Burd, C. E., Arriaga, E. A., Ladiges, W. L., Tchkonia, T., Kirkland, J. L., … Niedernhofer, L. J. (2018). Fisetin is a senotherapeutic that extends health and lifespan. EBioMedicine, 36, 18–28.
- Sun, Y., Qin, H., Zhang, H., Feng, X., Yang, L., Hou, D. X., & Chen, J. (2021). Fisetin inhibits inflammation and induces autophagy by mediating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells. Food & Nutrition Research, 65.
- Gabor, M., & Eperjessy, E. (1966). Antibacterial effect of fisetin and fisetinidin. Nature, 212(5067), 1273-1273.
- Lorenzo, G. D., Scafuri, L., Costabile, F., Pepe, L., Scognamiglio, A., Crocetto, F., ... & Buonerba, C. (2022). Fisetin as an adjuvant treatment in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen-deprivation therapy. Future Science OA, 8(3), FSO784.
