WHAT IS ISORHAMNETIN?
Isorhamnetin is one of the many flavonols that can be found in plant based foods and is part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds which occur naturally in plants and have numerous health benefits but are not considered essential nutrients). It is an antioxidant (a substance which protects the body’s cells from oxygen related damage) that has been linked with cancer and diabetes prevention and may also improve heart health. In this article I will be discussing isorhamnetin in greater detail.
WHEN WAS ISORHAMNETIN DISCOVERED?
Isorhamnetin was discovered in 1938 by the Hungarian biochemist Albert Szent-Györgyi as part of the flavonoid family. He initially referred to the flavonoids as vitamin P but it was later discovered that they are not essential to human health and therefore not technically vitamins.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE ISORHAMNETIN?
Very few studies have looked into the role of isorhamnetin in the human body. However, the limited research that is available suggests this phytonutrient has the following health benefits:
– Acting as an antioxidant and protecting the body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen related reactions).
– Preventing arteriosclerosis (hardening and loss of elasticity within the arteries).
– Preventing high blood pressure.
– Protecting against multiple types of cancer (including esophageal cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer).
– Reducing diabetes complications (such as diabetic cataracts and high blood glucose levels).
– Supporting a healthy heart (by preventing oxidative damage to the cells of the heart and promoting healthy blood).
HOW MUCH ISORHAMNETIN DO YOU NEED?
Isorhamnetin is not considered essential for human health so currently no official recommendations have been established in regards to consumption of this phytonutrient.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN ISORHAMNETIN?
Isorhamnetin can be found in a variety of plant based foods. The table below highlights some of the richest food sources:
| FOOD | MILLIGRAMS (MG) OF ISORHAMNETIN PER 100 GRAMS (G) |
| Almonds | 7.05 |
| Chives | 6.75 |
| Dill Weed | 43.5 |
| Fennel Leaves | 9.3 |
| Red Onions | 4.25 |
| Turnip Greens | Between 5mg and 10mg |
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH ISORHAMNETIN?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with isorhamnetin.
ISORHAMNETIN SUMMARY
Whilst the available information on isorhamnetin is very limited, it is still worthwhile making this phytonutrient part of your diet. It can protect your body from a number of unpleasant health conditions and the natural plant based foods which contain isorhamnetin are also rich in many other health boosting nutrients. So if you want to maintain optimal health, make sure isorhamnetin is included regularly as part of your diet.
Sources:
Flavonoid Content Of Vegetables (National Agricultural Library)
Isorhamnetin (Phytochemicals.info)
List Of Phytochemicals In Foods (Wikipedia)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods
What Is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)