Exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring taxifolin, a dietary flavonoid: an updated comprehensive review

Purpose Flavonoids, well-known as key bioactive compounds in numerous medicinal plants, help protect these plants against both biotic and abiotic stresses and are linked to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The diverse pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of flavonoids are influenced by factors such as their level of hydroxylation, structural classification, additional substitutions and conjugations, extent of polymerization, and their ability to chelate metals. Methods Data from various databases such as the Egyptian Knowledge Bank (EKB), Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier databases were gathered until April 2025. All possible keywords pertaining to taxifolin, natural origins, isolation, structure, solubility, synthesis, bioavailability, applications, biological activities, mechanisms of actions, pharmacokinetics, and clinical studies were utilized in the search. Results Taxifolin, a bioactive flavonoid commonly found in dietary sources such as onions, milk thistle, and Douglas fir bark, has garnered significant attention for its extensive health-promoting properties. It exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Notably, taxifolin demonstrates superior antioxidant capacity linked to its phenolic hydroxyl groups and structural features, enabling effective free radical scavenging. Conclusion Despite these promising pharmacological activities, further research is necessary to elucidate its detailed molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetic profile, and comprehensive safety through well-designed randomized clinical trials to facilitate its development as a therapeutic agent for human use.