Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Isoquercitrin, also known as quercetin-3-glucoside, is a flavonol glycoside found in elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.). It primarily exerts its effects by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages through scavenging NO radicals and suppressing iNOS enzyme activity.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Isoquercitrin is a potent flavonoid glycoside, a bioactive compound abundantly found in elderflowers (Sambucus nigra), as well as in apples, onions, and berries. While elderflowers are native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, isoquercitrin itself is a ubiquitous plant metabolite. It is highly valued in functional nutrition for its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Extensive research, including in vitro, animal, and some human clinical studies, supports isoquercitrin's potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Systematic reviews highlight its potential in cardiovascular health, neuroprotection, and allergy relief, establishing it as a well-studied bioactive compound.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside) is a glycosylated flavonol typically standardized to 10–20% in elderflower extracts (common supplement doses provide 50–200 mg isoquercitrin per serving). It is a polyphenolic bioactive compound with no significant macronutrient contribution (negligible calories, protein, fat, or fiber). Key bioactive constituents include isoquercitrin itself alongside minor co-occurring elderflower flavonoids such as rutin, kaempferol glycosides, and chlorogenic acid. Isoquercitrin has substantially higher bioavailability than its aglycone quercetin (approximately 3–5× greater oral absorption) due to active transport of the glucose moiety via intestinal SGLT1 transporters. Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), which adds additional glucose units, can boost bioavailability up to 15–40× compared to quercetin. Elderflower matrix also provides trace amounts of vitamin C (2–5 mg per gram of dried flower), potassium, and small quantities of phenolic acids that may support antioxidant capacity.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Isoquercitrin primarily functions as an antioxidant by scavenging nitric oxide (NO) radicals, which are key mediators of oxidative stress. It further exerts anti-inflammatory effects by directly inhibiting the iNOS enzyme and suppressing its gene expression in macrophages, thereby reducing NO production in a dose-dependent manner.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Extensive research, encompassing in vitro, animal, and preliminary human clinical studies, indicates isoquercitrin's potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Systematic reviews have highlighted its potential benefits in supporting cardiovascular health, offering neuroprotection, and providing relief for allergy symptoms. While promising, further large-scale human trials are needed to fully elucidate its efficacy and optimal dosages for various health conditions.
Also Known As
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