The naturally occurring substance myricetin, commonly referred to as myricetol, belongs to a group of compounds known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely known for their antioxidant properties, whereas myricetin stands out as the most effective in this category [1].
The oriental raisin tree’s “anti-hangover” effects may come from a myricetin variation called dihydromyricetin, also known as ampelopsin. Due to its ability to lower blood alcohol levels, the oriental raisin tree serves as a hangover remedy [2].
Additionally, myricetin is bound to several plant sugar-storing compounds (glycosides). Patients with high blood pressure benefit from the glycosides in Roselle flowers because they lower blood pressure. Learn more about myricetin supplements, their benefits, and their side effects in this article.
Uses of Myricetin
Known for its use in nutraceuticals, myricetin is a common flavonoid obtained from plants. It serves as one of the main components of many cuisines and beverages. The substance demonstrates a broad spectrum of activities, including potent antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies suggest that myricetin may be useful in preventing diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as it shows several functions connected to the central nervous system. The capacity of myricetin to shield lipids from oxidation explains why it serves as a preservative to prolong the shelf life of foods containing oils and fats [3].
Myricetin Food Sources
Myricetin is mostly present in plants and beverages, including tea, wine, fruit, and medicinal plants in the glycoside form (O-glycosides). Aside from plants and beverages, myricetin also occurs in vegetables, fruits, nuts, berries, and herbs [4].
Myricetin Supplements Benefits
Myricetin shows anti-cancer properties, according to some studies, aside from other health benefits. Piceatannol and myricetin increased apoptosis in HL-60 cells, according to a study. Cells die during apoptosis, a natural and controlled process that happens as an organism grows. Another study indicates that myricetin reduces UVB-induced angiogenesis and prevents wrinkle formation. In another recent study, myricetin appears to reduce the likelihood of tumor development [5].
Here are some potential health benefits of myricetin in our bodies.
Antioxidant Properties
Free radicals and reactive oxygen species that produce in the body have the potential to destroy tissues, cells, and bodies. The antioxidant activities of myricetin are similar to those of other flavonoids. A test tube study reveals that myricetin’s antioxidant activity increases in the presence of ascorbic acid and iron.
Cancer Prevention Properties
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are unique genes found in the DNA of normal cells that regulate cell division and guard against cancer. Cancer is brought on by oxidative damage to normal cells’ DNA and gene mutations. Antioxidant myricetin shields DNA from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of cancer.
Reduces Diabetes Risk
Within a few days, myricetin reduced elevated blood sugar in rats by 50%. It also accelerates the rate at which muscles and other cells absorb glucose. According to a study done on 42 diabetic individuals, using Blueberin with 50 mg of myricetin daily results in lower blood sugar levels than the control group.
Reduces Heart Disease Risk
Reperfusion injury occurs when oxidative damage or inflammation occurs as blood flows back into tissues that have been depleted of oxygen. By preventing STAT-1 activation, myricetin protects against reperfusion injury. In guinea pigs, myricetin therapy reduced cholesterol buildup in blood arteries by 27%. Additionally, it reduced the rats’ oxidative damage and excessive blood pressure. It slows the heartbeat and lowers urine salt levels. Myricetin can potentially treat heart attacks in rats by reducing the toxicity caused by isoproterenol.
Promotes weight loss
Myricetin also prevents the development of fat-storing cells. It prevents obesity and fat deposition brought on by high-fat and high-carb diets.
Improves Healthy Eyesight
Cataracts are becoming a common cause of vision issues in older people. Diabetes and oxidative stress contribute to cataract development. It stops the development of cataracts in rats thanks to its antioxidant and glucose-balancing abilities. Additionally, retinal cells get protected due to myricetin’s antioxidant properties. Myricetin’s ability to reduce inflammation helps in reducing macular edema.
Promotes Strong Bones
Myricetin stimulates osteoblast maturation. It supports bone density and guards against oxidative damage to bone cells in diabetics.
Improves Thyroid Health
By helping thyroid cells retain iodine, myricetin helps in increasing iodine absorption intake. Increased iodine absorption can reduce the risk of goiter. Myricetin’s ability to retain iodine by thyroid cells makes it effective in treating thyroid cancer with radioiodine.
Myricetin Supplements Side Effects
Avoid inhaling myricetin as it can cause difficulty in breathing.
Proper use of safety gear, including gloves and goggles, is necessary whenever handling myricetin. It may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Expectant mothers and children are not advisable to use myricetin supplements due to their lack of comprehensive study [6].
Bottomline
Myricetin is a naturally occurring compound found in several fruits and vegetables. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with some potential health benefits for the heart, brain, skin, and other illnesses, according to some studies. However, there’s no single clinical study done to support its efficacy as a supplement. Always consult with your healthcare professional for proper dosage and use of myricetin supplement for any health treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Myricetin. NCBI. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/myricetin
- Yoshikawa, M., Murakami, T., Ueda, T., Yoshizumi, S., Ninomiya, K., Murakami, N., Matsuda, H., Saito, M., Fujii, W., Tanaka, T., & Yamahara, J. (1997). Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 117(2), 108–118. https://doi.org/10.1248/yakushi1947.117.2_108
- Semwal, D. K., Semwal, R. B., Combrinck, S., & Viljoen, A. (2016). Myricetin: A Dietary Molecule with Diverse Biological Activities. Nutrients, 8(2), 90. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020090
- Taheri, Y., Suleria, H., Martins, N., Sytar, O., Beyatli, A., Yeskaliyeva, B., Seitimova, G., Salehi, B., Semwal, P., Painuli, S., Kumar, A., Azzini, E., Martorell, M., Setzer, W. N., Maroyi, A., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2020). Myricetin bioactive effects: moving from preclinical evidence to potential clinical applications. BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 20(1), 241. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-03033-z
- Rajendran, P., Maheshwari, U., Muthukrishnan, A., Muthuswamy, R., Anand, K., Ravindran, B., Dhanaraj, P., Balamuralikrishnan, B., Chang, S. W., & Chung, W. J. (2021). Myricetin: versatile plant based flavonoid for cancer treatment by inducing cell cycle arrest and ROS-reliant mitochondria-facilitated apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells and in silico prediction. Molecular and cellular biochemistry, 476(1), 57–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-020-03885-6
- Sun, F., Zheng, Z., Lan, J., Li, X., Li, M., Song, K., & Wu, X. (2019). New micelle myricetin formulation for ocular delivery: improved stability, solubility, and ocular anti-inflammatory treatment. Drug delivery, 26(1), 575–585. https://doi.org/10.1080/10717544.2019.1622608