What is Fisetin? How does it work?

Get an in-depth understanding of Fisetin and how it works.

Fisetin is a bioactive flavonol molecule, predominantly found in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, persimmons, onions, and cucumbers. Structurally, it belongs to the flavonoid group of polyphenols, compounds known for their potent antioxidant properties. Fisetin has attracted scientific interest for its multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and potential senolytic effects.

What are the benefits of Fisetin?

Antioxidant Properties

Mechanistically, fisetin exerts its effects through various cellular pathways. As an antioxidant, it scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage. Its anti-inflammatory action is mediated by the inhibition of specific enzymes (such as lipoxygenases) and signalling molecules (like NF-κB) involved in inflammatory processes, thereby mitigating inflammation at the cellular level.

Neuroprotective Benefits

Fisetin's neuroprotective properties are attributed to its ability to enhance neuronal function and protect against neurotoxicity. It supports cognitive functions by maintaining synaptic plasticity and protecting neurons from age-related decline. This is partly achieved by activating signalling pathways that promote neuronal survival and by its antioxidant action that protects against oxidative damage in neural tissues.

Eliminates Senescent cells

Emerging research suggests that fisetin may also have senolytic capabilities, meaning it can selectively induce death in senescent cells—cells that have ceased to divide and contribute to ageing and age-related diseases. Fisetin is thought to target these cells by disrupting their survival pathways, thereby reducing the overall burden of senescent cells and potentially ameliorating age-related tissue dysfunction.

Why is Fisetin a potent senolytic activator?

Fisetin is recognized as a potent senolytic activator due to its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in senescent cells, which are cells that have ceased to divide and contribute to ageing and age-related diseases. The effectiveness of fisetin as a senolytic agent is attributed to several mechanisms:

• Selective targeting of senescent cells: Fisetin has been shown to preferentially target and eliminate senescent cells without affecting the viability of normal, healthy cells. This selectivity is crucial for minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic benefits.

• Disruption of survival pathways: Senescent cells often evade apoptosis through specific survival pathways. Fisetin disrupts these pathways, particularly by downregulating the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and pro-survival networks within senescent cells, leading to their apoptosis.

• Reduction of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP): Senescent cells secrete inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and proteases, known collectively as the SASP, which can propagate senescence and contribute to tissue dysfunction. Fisetin has been observed to reduce the SASP, thereby mitigating its deleterious effects on surrounding tissues.

• Antioxidant properties: Fisetin's antioxidant capabilities also contribute to its senolytic activity by reducing oxidative stress, a key driver of cellular senescence. By neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), fisetin helps to maintain cellular integrity and reduce the accumulation of senescent cells.

These mechanisms, combined with fisetin's safety profile, underscore its potential as a potent senolytic activator. Ongoing research and clinical trials are aimed at further elucidating fisetin's mechanisms of action and its therapeutic potential in age-related conditions and diseases driven by cellular senescence.

Does Decode Age Fisetin contain Strawberry Extract?

Decode Age's Fisetin is sourced from strawberry extract, being its richest source. Due to the premium encapsulation, the bioavailability of Fisetin is enhanced.

Conclusion

Senescent cells also referred to as 'zombie' cells, accumulate in tissues over time and are implicated in various age-related pathologies due to their role in promoting inflammation and tissue deterioration. Fisetin, a natural flavonoid abundantly found in strawberries, has emerged as a promising senolytic agent with the potential to target and eliminate these senescent cells. By clearing these dysfunctional cells, fisetin could play a significant role in mitigating age-related tissue damage, reducing chronic inflammation, and thereby potentially extending a healthy lifespan and improving overall health outcomes.

Beyond its senolytic capabilities, fisetin boasts a range of biological properties that contribute to its health-promoting potential. Its potent antioxidant activity helps neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage. Fisetin also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, further supporting its role in combating age-related diseases that have an inflammatory component, such as cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Moreover, fisetin's potential neuroprotective effects could contribute to maintaining cognitive function and preventing age-related declines in brain health. By promoting cellular health and function, fisetin holds promise not only in extending lifespan but also in enhancing the quality of life during ageing.