Fisetin: The Antioxidant Your Bones Can’t Do Without - Save Our Bones

A powerful antioxidant found in several Foundation Foods shows remarkable benefits for bone health. It also offers a host of other benefits, including enhanced cognitive ability.

It’s called fisetin, and the latest research reveals its incredible role in preventing oxidative stress, one of the keys to reversing bone loss.

Fisetin’s benefits go beyond bone health, and today we’re going to take a closer look at the latest research on this amazing nutrient, and which foods contain the highest levels.

What Is Fisetin?

Fisetin is a type of antioxidant known as a polyphenol, or plant chemical. Polyphenols cover a broad range of antioxidants, and are largely responsible for the bright colors of certain foods (such as strawberries).

Fisetin belongs to a class of polyphenols called flavonoids (sometimes referred to as bioflavonoids). Flavonoids are not to be confused with flavonols, which sound similar but are actually different.

I’ll explain. Flavonols are a subclass of the bioflavonoid (or flavonoid) group. They have a specific molecular structure, including 3-hydroxyflavone, a chemical compound that forms the “backbone” of all flavonols. Fisetin is a flavonol.

Why Fisetin (And Antioxidants In General) Are Crucial For Your Bones

Calcium and Vitamin D are the first micronutrients that that generally come to mind for osteoporosis. But there is so much more to bone-healthy nutrition than just calcium and Vitamin D! Along with dozens of other synergistic nutrients, antioxidants play a vital role that is often overlooked, and is blatantly ignored by the Medical Establishment.

Nonetheless, antioxidants are essential for bone rejuvenation. That’s why the Osteoporosis Reversal Program devotes an entire chapter (Chapter 12) to the research on these vital plant chemicals.

Here are some of the reasons why antioxidants are a “must” for bones.

Oxidative Damage Is A Very Real Threat To Bone Density And Integrity

Osteoporosis is associated with age, and so is other evidence of oxidative damage, such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Because reactive oxidative species (ROS) or free radicals, are produced naturally as part of normal cellular respiration, they accumulate in the body unless antioxidants “clean” them up.

Antioxidants work by donating an oxygen molecule to the free radical (which has an unpaired oxygen electron, making it “reactive”). But antioxidants can do this without becoming a free radical themselves, making them a crucial factor in bone health. I’ll explain.

Bone cells are not immune to free radical damage. They, too, can be “robbed” of an oxygen electron, thus producing damage to the cells and the bone. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, arresting the domino effect and preserving the integrity of bones and other body cells. In addition…

Polyphenols Increase Osteoblast Production And More

In a very direct way, certain polyphenols, such as catechins, actually boost the production of osteoblasts, the cells that build bone. They do this by stimulating the differentiation of osteoblasts, which means more unspecialized cells develop into osteoblasts than into some other type of cell.

That’s not all. Cyanidins, another class of polyphenols, regulate the bone remodeling process by reducing and inhibiting the differentiation of osteoclasts, the cells that tear down bone.

So polyphenols are unquestionably important for bone rejuvenation, and fisetin has specialized roles that are truly fascinating.

Fisetin: The New Flavonol On The Antioxidant “Scene”

Of course, fisetin is not, technically, new; it was actually discovered about a decade ago, but what’s exciting is that scientists have discovered amazing new ways in which this flavonol boosts bone health and overall health as well.

Let’s take a look at the latest scientific research on the many ways fisetin helps fight osteoporosis, and how it benefits many other aspects of health.

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Fisetin suppresses the production of inflammatory cytokines. In studies that examined the potency of various flavonoids, fisetin stood out. It was shown to fight inflammation from various angles and metabolic pathways, leading scientists to conclude that:

“These results provide evidence of a novel activity of the flavonoid fisetin that suppresses the expression of T(H)2-type cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and IL-5) by basophils.”1

Controlling inflammation is important in preserving bone density, reversing bone loss, and preventing fractures. Inflammation actually increases fracture risk by accelerating bone loss and “aging” your bones. Keeping inflammation under control greatly increases bones’ fracture resistance.

Inhibits Bone-Damaging Glycation

Glycation refers to a process where sugar molecules bond to certain proteins and lipids in the body. This results in bone-damaging Advanced Glycation End products, or AGEs. These molecules destroy collagen, a cartilage-like material found in skin and bone, which literally holds you together. Collagen gives bone its tensile strength.

Fisetin arrests the glycation process due to its beneficial interaction with proteins found in the human body, including DNA.2 This accounts, in part, for fisetin’s ability to protect the brain and nervous tissue (more on that later).

Maintains Glutathione Levels

Glutathione, also known as the Master Antioxidant, is the only intracellular antioxidant. It’s involved in many crucial biological processes and has the most electrons of any antioxidant, so it can “donate” more of these electrons to free radicals in order to neutralize them.

Fisetin helps maintain glutathione levels in the body, particularly during times of increased oxidative stress.3

Stabilzes Resveratrol

Found in red wine and the skins of dark-skinned fruits, resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory polyphenol. Fisetin acts as a shield for resveratrol, slowing its breaking down and being metabolized in the liver. Thus, fisetin actually increases the amount of resveratrol in the blood. This is important, given that resveratrol is crucial for bone health – it even helps prevent falls – and has a short half-life in the body, which means it breaks down quickly.4

This is great news for your bones. Fisetin’s ability to reduce inflammation, increase antioxidant levels, and boost tensile strength is quite amazing. But fisetin’s benefits go well beyond bone health.

Fisetin Protects Brain Function

One of the most remarkable discoveries about fisetin is its ability to stave off Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and memory loss associated with age – even when the genes for Alzheimer’s are present.

In a fascinating Salk Institute study, researchers genetically programmed mice to develop Alzheimer’s via transgenesis. The mice were divided into two groups: one group received fisetin in their drinking water, whereas the other group of mice did not receive fisetin.

After nine months, the non-fisetin group began to show distinct signs of losing their cognitive abilities. In contrast, the fisetin group exhibited brain function that was comparable to normal mice that hadn’t been programmed to develop Alzheimer’s. And even after one year, the fisetin mice still showed no signs of cognitive decline.5

In the researchers’ own words:

“We show here that oral administration of fisetin to APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic AD mice from 3 to 12 months of age prevents the development of learning and memory deficits.”5

It’s thought that Alzheimer’s, dementia, and age-related memory loss are due to oxidative damage to the brain and nervous system. Fisetin’s ability to stave off and reverse this damage is likely at the root of its memory-preserving attributes.

Protects Mitochondria

Every cell in the body (except red blood cells) has mitochondria, which are in charge of producing energy that cells use to perform their functions. So these tiny organelles break down carbohydrates and fatty acids and are responsible for cellular respiration and the generation of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Fisetin protects the mitochondria and maintains ATP levels even in the face of repetitive oxidative stress and mitochondrial toxins.3

Cancer Prevention

Fisetin prevents DNA damage, protecting DNA strands against rupture in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, one of the more potent free radicals.6 This DNA-protective ability ranks fisetin high among potential cancer-preventative substances.

Fisetin also fights cancer by controlling inflammation, as discussed above.

Top Foods That Contain Fisetin

If you’re on the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, then you’re already eating plenty of these fisetin-rich foods:

*Foundation Food

These foods contain so many healthful nutrients whose benefits are being revealed and discovered every day! And it’s a perfect example of how…

The Osteoporosis Reversal Program Is A Whole-Body, Whole-Person Approach To Health

The focus of the Program is, of course, on building strong and healthy bones. But as you can see, the Osteoporosis Reversal Program goes well beyond bone health. In fact, it helps you to rejuvenate your entire body and feel better.

Stop Worrying About Your Bone Loss

Join thousands of Savers from around the world who have reversed or prevented their bone loss naturally and scientifically with the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.

Learn More Now →

Till next time,

References:

1 Higa, S., et al. “Fisetin, a flavonol, inhibits TH2-type cytokine production by activated human basophils.” J Allergy Clin Immunol. June 2003. 111(6):1299-306. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12789233

2 Sengupta B, Banerjee A, Sengupta PK. “Interactions of the plant flavonoid fisetin with macromolecular targets: insights from fluorescence spectroscopic studies.” J Photochem Photobiol B. August 2005. 80(2):79-86. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16038806

3 Maher, P. “Modulation of multiple pathways involved in the maintenance of neuronal function during aging by fisetin.” Genes Nutr. 2009 Sep 10.

4 De Santi, C., et al. “Sulphation of resveratrol, a natural compound present in wine, and its inhibition by natural flavonoids.” Xenobiotica. 2000 Sep;30(9):857-66.

5 Currais, A., et al. “Modulation of p25 and inflammatory pathways by fisetin maintains cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice.” Aging Cell. April 2014. 13(2):379-90. Doi: 10.1111/acel.12185. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24341874

6 Watjen, W., et al. “Low concentrations of flavonoids are protective in rat H4IIE cells whereas high concentrations cause DNA damage and apoptosis.” J Nutr. 2005 Mar;135(3):525-31.

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Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Marion

    Hi Kim,

    At 46, hopefully you aren’t in menopause yet. With some estrogen, you have a better chance at improving your bone density. The diet that Vivian talks about, exercise for bone density, not taking in too much protein, the supplements that Vivian talks about, are all good ways to improve bone density. Vivian recently wrote about a study showing that biodensity machines are powerful in improving bone density. Also the new power plate machine is good. I hope these things prove useful to you.

  2. kim howard

    Hi, my osteo is very bad have bones of a 90 yr old im 46. My dr wants me on drugs what is the least side effects drug that i could take? I dont want to take any but all that ive been doing isnt working. I take algaecal plus and exercise in sun etc. What do i do?

    • Rune

      Hi. One question: do you get enough vitamin K through your diet? Without this vitamin your body will have problems utilizing the calcium you get through your diet (I assume you eat calcium rich food). Pills dont cut it, the body need to get vitamins and all the other good stuff from food.

  3. Kelsey Fickling, Australia.

    Thanks Vivian for that great information on Fisetin. What a lot of good research you do for us. I’m not sure if you have seen my note to say that following your information over these years and doing some tai chi and working in my garden (as well as doing most of your great weekend exercises) I have had a great result in my last bone density scan. 8.5% increase in my spine; and 4% increase in my spine. I will be 84 years old on the 30th November. Thanks again, Blessings Kelsey

  4. ana alicia ortiz

    please unsubscribe me . thank you

    • Customer Support

      Hi Ana,

      To unsubscribe, simply scroll down to the very bottom of any of Vivian’s emails, and you’ll see the following message:

      “Change Subscriber Options” (there is a blue link there that you click on and it will take you to the unsubscribe page).

  5. Lois Weme

    Does Biotin help with osteoporosis? What foods contain biotin?
    Thank you. Lois

  6. Marie Helene

    Dear Vivian! Thank you for the updating about osteosporosis! I eat a lot of fruits namely strawberries, apples , cucumber, mangoes when possible… My osteosporosis remain same with the tendency to get worse. Would the revestrarol in pills would help in addition to the fruits? God Bless!!!! MH

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      I encourage you to continue eating foods rich in fisetin and resveratrol, Marie. That’s the best way to get the antioxidants your body and bones need. 🙂

  7. cindy

    I read bone density can fluctuate based on the season is that true??? If so what season is bone density high and what season is it low????

  8. Nicole

    Dear Vivian – Thank you so much again for all your hard work on our behalf. I do have one question though. I was under the impression that tomatoes were acidic. Therefore, why did they make your list? Beside osteoporosis I have a very good reason for staying away as much as possible from acidic foods: I have been dealing with severe nerve pain for almost 4 years now due to shingles on the right side of my face & skull, with no end in site, unfortunately… Have I been doing the right thing so far?

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Nicole,

      Great question! Whether a food appears to be acid has absolutely nothing do to with its acidic or alkalizing effect on the body. It’s a common misconception that if a food seems to be acidic or has an acidic taste, that it must have an acidic effect on the body, but that’s not true. Foods are classified as acid or alkaline based on the minerals they leave behind or ash residue after digestion, not based on their taste. That’s why foods with citric acid, like lemons, are alkalizing. 🙂

  9. Iona

    I have had Osteoporis for 18 years and lost 6 inches in height and had a hip replacement. I find your information very helpful with what foods to eat.Pain very bad some days even with painkillers. Hope you continue the good work.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      It’s clear you’re a fighter, Iona! Hang in there, and keep learning and listening to your body.

    • live4ever

      So sorry to hear of your pain. Thank you for writing to remind us all how important following the program is. It is both preventative and healing. We have to act ourselves as the medical resources do not offer this help.

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