Fisetin
Synopsis of fisetin
Fisetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid polyphenol found in various fruits and vegetables, most notably in strawberries, apples, persimmons, onions, and cucumbers. It is fat-soluble and structurally similar to other flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol. While it is present in relatively low quantities in foods, it has gained significant interest in recent years for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and senolytic properties.
In modern nutritional science, fisetin is studied for its ability to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and enhancing glutathione production, a critical intracellular antioxidant. It also modulates signaling pathways involved in inflammation, particularly NF-κB and Nrf2, and is believed to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines.
One of fisetin’s most unique and emerging applications is in the field of senolytics—agents that selectively eliminate senescent (aging) cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction. Animal studies suggest that fisetin may extend lifespan and improve healthspan by clearing these dysfunctional cells. It is also being studied for potential benefits in cognitive health, including Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory decline, due to its ability to reduce brain inflammation and support neuronal survival.
Today, fisetin is available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form, often used in anti-aging and cognitive support protocols. It is sometimes combined with other flavonoids or bioavailability enhancers to improve absorption.
Historical Use
Unlike many botanical compounds, fisetin was not traditionally recognized or used in its isolated form in herbal medicine systems. However, its source plants—particularly strawberries and onions—have a long history of medicinal and nutritional use in various cultures.
In Ayurvedic medicine, fruits like apples and herbs rich in polyphenols were used to cool inflammation, purify the blood, and support heart and brain function. Similarly, onions were valued in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman traditions for treating infections, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments, unknowingly delivering fisetin as part of their bioactive compound content.
The specific identification of fisetin as a distinct chemical compound occurred in the late 19th century, but its biological activities weren’t extensively studied until the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with the rise of flavonoid research. Interest in fisetin accelerated after 2018, when studies began to highlight its senolytic capabilities—offering a new therapeutic angle in longevity research.
While it does not have a formal legacy in historical herbal pharmacopeias, fisetin represents a modern refinement of ancient plant wisdom, isolating and concentrating compounds that were once consumed as part of broader dietary or herbal traditions.
Fisetin is used for these health conditions
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Strokes (Scientific)
fisetin is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
