What Is Taxifolin? Guide to the Flavonoid
Article written by
Tina MagrabiSenior Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a bioflavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The flavonoid is found in foods and beverages like wine, tea, cocoa and vinegar, alongside many fruits and vegetables. Taxifolin may serve a number of health purposes as an anti-inflammatory and anticancer agent.
Learn about the other therapeutic benefits of taxifolin, along with the flavonoid’s connection to cannabis.
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What Is Taxifolin?
Taxifolin is a flavonoid or natural nutrient found in plants, including cannabis. Flavonoids like taxifolin have been found to exert beneficial effects on health by reducing oxidative stress, an imbalance in the body that can trigger many common diseases including cancer.
Taxifolin may benefit some people with alcoholism and/or fatty liver disease and make antibiotics for certain streptococcal infections more effective.
The most common sources of taxifolin are the(especially when cooked with rice, as flavonoids bind with starch), onions, and beverages including wine and hot cocoa. In addition, taxifolin is present in extract from milk thistle seeds, coniferous trees like the Chinese yew and Douglas fir, and vinegars aged in cherry wood.
How Taxifolin Works in Cannabis
The flavonoids in cannabis give both pigment and flavor to the plant. Flavonoids like taxifolin influence how your senses perceive the cannabis product you are consuming in what you see, taste and smell.
Notably, the flavonoid taxifolin gives the cannabis plant some of its therapeutic potency. In combination with terpenes and cannabinoids, flavonoids create a synergistic entourage effect that optimizes therapeutic benefits.
Health Benefits and Uses
Research on the health benefits of taxifolin is emerging. The research that exists indicates that taxifolin could have the following therapeutic benefits:
Taxifolin and Cancer
Numerous studies have shown that taxifolin has the ability to restrict the growth of cancer cell lines. Breast cancer cells and ovarian cancer cells are two types of malignancies that taxifolin has demonstrated the potential to kill.
Taxifolin and Antibiotics
The flavonoid taxifolin may increase the efficacy of certain antibiotics, including levofloxacin and ceftazidime. This enhanced potency could benefit people suffering from antibiotic-resistant conditions, such as MRSA.
Taxifolin and COVID Pneumonia
Russian researchers are investigating the effects of the dietary supplement, Taxifolin Aqua, on people recovering from COVID-related pneumonia. Launched in 2021, this clinical trial involves the use of 30 milligrams (mg) daily of Taxifolin Aqua for 100 patients. The researchers hope to elucidate how the dietary supplement could impact respiratory function, the condition of the arterial wall, and overall quality of life.
Side Effects
Despite the health benefits of taxifolin, side effects may also occur in some people, especially those who take the flavonoid as a dietary supplement. The side effects of taxifolin may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Rash or contact dermatitis
- Increased risk of blood clots and bleeding (in some people)
Consult with your doctor before taking taxifolin supplements. Like most dietary supplements, taxifolin supplements have not received FDA approval. Furthermore, taxifolin supplements may not be safe to take if you are taking blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers and certain other prescription drugs.
Experience a rich variety of flavonoids and other plant nutrients like taxifolin with a medical marijuana card. Apply for your MMJ card online with Leafwell to access the potential health benefits of cannabis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is taxifolin good for?
Taxifolin is good for preventing oxidative damage from free radicals, enhancing the effects of some antibiotics and reducing inflammation in the body. Other potential therapeutic benefits of taxifolin, such as aiding in recovery from COVID pneumonia, are currently being studied in clinical trials and lab studies.
Where is taxifolin found?
Taxifolin is found in many coniferous trees, such as the Chinese yew and Siberian larch. The flavonoid is also found in the cannabis plant, wines and vinegars, and certain beans.
What foods contain taxifolin?
The adzuki bean contains high levels of taxifolin. Vinegars aged in cherry wood and some wines also naturally contain taxifolin.
