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Myricetin — Health Benefits, Supplements, Foods, and Structure

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan by Ani Harutyunyan | Last updated on July 08, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian

Myricetin — Health Benefits, Supplements, Foods, and Structure

Introduction

A naturally occurring flavonoid, myricetin can be found in a variety of fruitsvegetablesteas, and wines. It is well-known for its strong antioxidant qualities and is essential for neutralizing free radicals, and preventing oxidative stress and possible cell damage. Myricetin has been investigated for its anti-inflammatoryanticarcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties, which has made it a topic of interest in pharmacology and nutritional research. In this article, we will explore myricetin in detail, including its structure, food sources, and health impact. 

Myricetin Structure

With a chemical formula of C15H10O8, myricetin is made up of three rings on its flavonol backbone: two benzene rings and one heterocyclic ring. Six hydroxyl groups (-OH) linked to the rings at certain positions set myricetin distinct (1). These hydroxyl groups are essential to its strong antioxidant capabilities, which allow it to effectively deactivate free radicals (2). Its conjugated double bonds and functional group arrangement allow it to interact with a variety of biological targets, which supports its neuroprotectiveanti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

Myricetin is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Its solubility in water is approximately 0.45 mg/mL at 25°C, which means it dissolves better in non-aqueous solvents (3). This characteristic affects its bioavailability and formulation in supplements or pharmaceuticals, often requiring specialized techniques for delivery and absorption in the body.

Myricetin Metabolism

After consumption, myricetin goes through a variety of intricate metabolic processes, mostly in the liver and intestines, involving phase I and phase II reactions.

Through oxidation, phase I metabolism—which is carried out by cytochrome P450 enzymes—introduces polar and reactive groups into the myricetin molecule. Following this is phase II metabolism, which involves conjugation events involving enzymes such as sulfotransferases and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases that bind glucuronic acid and sulfate groups to myricetin to produce water-soluble sulfates and glucuronides. After being transported by the blood to different tissues and organs, where they have biological effects, these metabolites are eventually eliminated by the kidneys and liver. Myricetin's solubility and excretion are improved by its effective metabolism, which is essential for both its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.

Food Sources of Myricetin

Berries like blueberries and cranberries are high in myricetin. Grapes - especially the red and purple varieties - are a great source of this chemical. There are several nuts, particularly walnuts, that are high in myricetin, which can provide your diet with an extra nutritional boost. 

For those who enjoy vegetables, kale, and onions - especially red onions - are noteworthy due to their high myricetin level. This flavonoid is also found in green tea, which makes it a healthy beverage option (4). 

Food

Myricetin content 

/mg per 100g/

Recommended serving
Cranberry66001 cup /110g/
Sweet potato44001 medium /114g/
Rutabagas21001 medium /386g/
Garlic16000.25 tsp /0.5g/
Blueberry 13001 cup /148g/
Red chili pepper12001 pepper /45g/
Green tea7901 cup /260g/
Blackberry7001 cup /144g/
Lemon 5001 NLEA serving /58g/
Kale601 cup, chopped /130g/
Red grape wine14.61 serving /147g/

Myricetin Supplement and Recommended Intake

The appropriate dosage of myricetin can vary based on factors such as the specific health condition being addressed, individual health status, and the concentration of the supplement. 

Generally, doses in research studies range from 100 to 600 mg per day. For general anticancer and anti-inflammatory support and overall health benefits, a lower dose of around 100-200 mg daily may be sufficient (4). 400mg daily dosage for myricetin supports weight loss.

However, higher doses, up to 600 mg, are sometimes used in studies exploring its effects on specific conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular problems.

It is crucial to follow the dosage instructions provided by the supplement manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional before starting myricetin supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Health Benefits and Functions in the Human Body

Inflammation 

The strong anti-inflammatory effects of myricetin are well known, and they are produced by a number of different metabolic processes. One main mechanism is the blocking of important inflammatory enzymes like lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) (5) (6). Myricetin lowers the synthesis of pro-inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting these enzymes. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a crucial transcription factor that regulates the expression of numerous inflammatory genes, is modulated by myricetin. Myricetin reduces the synthesis of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators by blocking NF-κB (7). Additionally, it has been demonstrated that myricetin increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes, lowering oxidative stress—a factor that frequently makes inflammation worse. 

Cancer

Myricetin is a highly researched topic because it has demonstrated positive effects against a variety of cancer types. Research has indicated that it is effective in preventing the growth of cancer cells and triggering apoptosis in breast cancer patients (8). Myricetin has been shown to inhibit tumor development and stop metastasis in colorectal cancer (9). 

Myricetin has demonstrated its promise as an anti-metastatic drug by inhibiting cell migration and invasion, as evidenced by research on lung cancer (10). By focusing on particular signaling pathways that support cancer cell survival and proliferation, myricetin also shows encouraging results in treating prostate cancer (11). 

Additionally, by improving detoxification procedures and lowering oxidative stress, it has demonstrated preventive properties against liver cancer (12). 

This flavonoid's strong antioxidant activity, which aids in neutralizing free radicals that can harm cellular DNA and promote the growth of cancer, is the main mechanism by which it has anticancer properties (13). Furthermore, myricetin has been demonstrated to impede the growth of cancer cells by disrupting multiple signaling pathways in cells, including the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, which are essential for cell viability and expansion (14). By stimulating the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and activating caspase enzymes, myricetin also activates apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells (15). Moreover, it has the ability to suppress angiogenesis, the process by which tumors create new blood vessels to sustain their expansion, feeding the cancer cells with vital nutrients (16). 

Diabetes

First, by stimulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which is essential for glucose uptake and metabolism, myricetin and its derivatives improve insulin sensitivity (17). This aids in increasing insulin's ability to effectively drop blood sugar levels. Furthermore, myricetin prevents the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose by enzymes, including α-glucosidase and α-amylase (18). Myricetin prevents blood sugar rises by slowing the absorption of glucose from the digestive system by blocking these enzymes. Furthermore, the antioxidant qualities of myricetin lessen oxidative stress, a condition that is frequently linked to diabetes. Myricetin supports overall insulin function and glucose management by protecting pancreatic beta cells, which are in charge of producing insulin, by reducing oxidative stress (19). 

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that myricetin can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. It has been observed to improve lipid profiles by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol levels, thereby promoting healthier blood vessels and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (20). Additionally, myricetin may aid in lowering blood pressure by enhancing the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, which improves overall vascular health (21). 

Downsides and Potential Risks

Iron Deficiency

Because myricetin can bind to iron, there may be less iron available in the intestines for absorption. 

While this impact may be beneficial in cases of iron overload, people with normal or low iron levels may be at risk for iron deficiency as a result (22). Iron is essential for multiple physiological functions, such as the transportation of oxygen and the synthesis of energy (23). Therefore, poor absorption can cause symptoms like weaknessfatigue, and anemia (24). Consequently, even though myricetin has a number of health advantages, people should be cautious when taking it in relation to iron absorption, particularly if they have medical disorders that already impair their iron levels or are at risk of iron shortage.

Summary

Myricetin, a flavonoid with the formula C15H10O8, is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties. It features a flavonol structure, crucial for neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Found naturally in berries, nuts, vegetables, and green tea, myricetin is also available as a supplement, with doses typically ranging from 100 to 600 mg daily. It offers benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular support, and potential anti-cancer properties.

Despite its limited solubility in water (~0.45 mg/mL at 25°C), myricetin is more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol or DMSO, influencing its formulation and absorption in supplements and pharmaceuticals. Metabolically processed in the liver and intestines, myricetin undergoes phase I oxidation and phase II conjugation reactions to form water-soluble metabolites, enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic potential. 

References

  1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Myricetin 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8743163/ 
  3. https://cdn.caymanchem.com/cdn/insert/10012600.pdf 
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8498061/ 
  5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X1701201111 
  6. https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/312047
  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299916303302 
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10253333/ 
  9. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/19/11024 
  10. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/46/1/46_b22-00483/_html/-char/en 
  11. https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12929-022-00812-3 
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10253333/ 
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5219898/ 
  14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35234274/ 
  15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24511002/ 
  16. https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.24222 
  17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25896550/ 
  18. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-016-0581-2 
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470101/ 
  20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6482568/ 
  21. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2015/fo/c4fo01073f 
  22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8287860/ 
  23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999603/ 

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia 

Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: July 08, 2024
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian
Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.