# Quercetagetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/quercetagetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3,3',4',5,6,7-hexahydroxyflavone, 6-hydroxyquercetin, Quercetagitrin aglycone, Hexahydroxyflavone, Marigold flavonol, Calendula flavonol ## Overview Quercetagetin is a rare hexahydroxyflavonol found in certain plant species with potent antioxidant properties. Its six hydroxyl groups enable superior [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity compared to other flavonoids through direct electron donation mechanisms. ## Health Benefits • Antioxidant activity via [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing through six hydroxyl groups (preclinical evidence only) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential through xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition (in vitro studies) • Enhanced physicochemical stability when formulated in nanoparticles (93.22% encapsulation efficiency, PMID: 29897751) • Potential oxidative stress reduction via metal chelation properties (mechanism inferred from flavonol class) • Possible Nrf2 pathway modulation for cellular protection (theoretical based on flavonol structure, unconfirmed) ## Mechanism of Action Quercetagetin exerts antioxidant effects through its six hydroxyl groups, which directly scavenge free radicals by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). The compound inhibits pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) enzymes including xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase, reducing inflammatory mediator production. Its hexahydroxyl structure provides enhanced electron-donating capacity compared to quercetin and other common flavonoids. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for quercetagetin is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies, with no human clinical trials published to date. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity with IC50 values superior to standard antioxidants. Nanoparticle formulations show 93.22% encapsulation efficiency with improved bioavailability in animal models. The lack of human studies limits conclusions about therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols. ## Nutritional Profile Quercetagetin is a pure polyphenolic flavonol compound (6-hydroxyquercetin), not a food ingredient with macronutrient or micronutrient content. Molecular formula: C15H10O8, molecular weight: 318.24 g/mol. It is structurally characterized by six hydroxyl groups (-OH) positioned at the 3, 5, 6, 7, 3', 4' positions of the flavonol backbone, distinguishing it from quercetin by the additional 6-OH group. Naturally occurs in marigold flowers (Tagetes species) and select plant pigments. No caloric value, protein, fiber, or mineral content is applicable as a purified compound. Bioavailability is markedly limited due to poor aqueous solubility (highly lipophilic character), rapid metabolic conjugation (glucuronidation, sulfation) in the gut and liver, and susceptibility to oxidative degradation. Nanoparticle encapsulation (e.g., PLGA-based systems) significantly improves bioavailability, achieving 93.22% encapsulation efficiency (PMID: 29897751). As a bioactive compound, its activity is attributed entirely to its polyphenolic structure rather than nutritional macrocomponent contribution. Plasma concentrations following dietary exposure are expected to be in the nanomolar range, consistent with other dietary flavonols. No established dietary reference intake or recommended daily allowance exists for quercetagetin. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages exist due to absence of human trials. Preclinical nanoparticle formulations used ratios of 100:5 (zein:quercetagetin), but no oral, topical, or intravenous human doses are established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for quercetagetin is extremely limited due to lack of human studies and minimal research on toxicity profiles. As a flavonoid, it may theoretically interact with blood-thinning medications and affect cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, though specific interactions are unknown. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid due to insufficient safety data. Potential side effects, contraindications, and safe dosage ranges have not been established through clinical research. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on quercetagetin exist in the literature. Research is limited to preclinical studies, with one notable in vitro study (PMID: 29897751) examining quercetagetin-loaded zein-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles for improved stability and encapsulation, but no clinical outcomes were measured. ## Historical & Cultural Context While quercetagetin itself is not documented in traditional medicine systems, its plant sources like marigold (Tagetes spp.) have been used in Aztec and Indian folk medicine for wound healing and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) purposes since the 16th century. The compound's glucoside form (quercetagitrin) appears in literature dating back to 1949. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Zein protein, Other flavonols ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is quercetagetin and how is it different from quercetin? Quercetagetin is a hexahydroxyflavonol with six hydroxyl groups, while quercetin has five. This extra hydroxyl group gives quercetagetin potentially superior antioxidant activity through enhanced free radical scavenging capacity. ### What foods contain quercetagetin naturally? Quercetagetin is found in limited plant sources including certain Tagetes species (marigolds) and some traditional medicinal plants. It occurs in much lower concentrations than common flavonoids like quercetin, making dietary intake minimal. ### Has quercetagetin been tested in human clinical trials? No human clinical trials have been conducted with quercetagetin to date. All current evidence comes from laboratory cell studies and animal research, limiting our understanding of human health effects and safety. ### What is the recommended dosage for quercetagetin supplements? No established dosage recommendations exist for quercetagetin due to lack of human studies. Safe and effective doses have not been determined through clinical research, making supplementation premature without proper safety data. ### Can quercetagetin supplements interact with medications? Potential drug interactions are unknown due to limited research. As a flavonoid, it may theoretically affect blood-thinning medications and liver enzyme activity, but specific interactions have not been studied or documented. ### What is the bioavailability of quercetagetin and how can it be improved? Quercetagetin has limited oral bioavailability due to its poor water solubility and susceptibility to gut metabolism, which reduces its absorption in the small intestine. Nanoparticle formulations have demonstrated significantly improved stability and delivery, with encapsulation efficiencies reaching 93.22%, potentially enhancing systemic availability compared to standard forms. Other bioavailability enhancers such as phospholipid complexes or combination with absorption-promoting compounds may also increase quercetagetin's effectiveness. ### How does quercetagetin work as an antioxidant at the molecular level? Quercetagetin exerts antioxidant effects through its six hydroxyl groups, which enable free radical scavenging and direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the compound can chelate transition metals like iron and copper that would otherwise catalyze harmful oxidative reactions in the body. These dual mechanisms—direct free radical elimination and metal chelation—work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress. ### What inflammatory pathways does quercetagetin target according to research? In vitro studies show that quercetagetin inhibits xanthine oxidase and lipoxygenase, two key enzymes involved in inflammatory and immune responses. By suppressing these enzyme pathways, quercetagetin may reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative byproducts. However, these mechanisms have only been demonstrated in laboratory settings and have not yet been confirmed in human studies. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*