Myricetin

Myricetin: Natural Cancer Prevention & Treatment

A powerful flavonoid compound with multifaceted anticancer mechanisms

Key Research Findings

• Multi-Target Action: Regulates Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and MAPK pathways
• Metastasis Prevention: Inhibits VEGF signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
• Selective Toxicity: Targets cancer cells while sparing normal cells
• Drug Resistance: Effective against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells

What is Myricetin?

Myricetin is a natural flavonoid found abundantly in berries, walnuts, herbs, and tea. This remarkable compound has emerged as a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment due to its multifaceted anticancer mechanisms, supported by extensive preclinical studies. As a plant-derived polyphenol, myricetin demonstrates significant therapeutic potential across multiple cancer types.

Mechanism of Action

Myricetin functions through multiple pathways including apoptosis induction via Bax/Bcl-2 regulation, anti-proliferative effects through cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF signaling, and anti-inflammatory actions that modulate the tumor microenvironment.

Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Apoptosis Induction

Myricetin promotes cancer cell death by regulating key proteins like Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) and Bax (pro-apoptotic), shifting the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio to favor apoptosis. It also activates MAPK pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress, triggering mitochondrial-mediated cell death in cancers such as colon, ovarian, and liver.

Anti-Proliferative Effects

The compound inhibits cancer cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle (particularly G2/M phase arrest in ovarian cancer cells) and suppressing oncogenic signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and mTOR. This selective action helps control tumor growth while preserving normal cell function.

Anti-Angiogenesis and Metastasis

Myricetin reduces tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting VEGF signaling and suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step in metastasis. Research shows it reversed EMT in liver cancer cells, significantly limiting their invasive potential.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Modulation

Myricetin's anti-inflammatory properties reduce chronic inflammation linked to cancer progression. It modulates the tumor microenvironment by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and enhancing immune responses against cancer cells.

Cancer-Specific Evidence

Ovarian Cancer

Demonstrated cytotoxicity in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (A2780/CP70, OVCAR-3) at concentrations (25–184 μM) lower than those affecting normal ovarian cells, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest without significant normal cell toxicity.

Colon Cancer

Induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HCT-15 colon cancer cells via Bax/Bcl-2-dependent pathways, achieving a 70% reduction in cell viability at 100 μM concentration.

Liver, Lung, and Pancreatic Cancers

Inhibited growth in hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma models through apoptosis and antiproliferative effects, demonstrating broad-spectrum anticancer activity.

Other Cancer Types

Showed significant efficacy in breast, prostate, bladder, and skin cancers, with studies highlighting its potential as both a therapeutic and chemopreventive agent across diverse cancer types.

Natural Food Sources

Berries

Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries - rich natural sources

Walnuts

Significant myricetin content in both nuts and leaves

Green Tea

High-quality green and white teas contain myricetin

Other Rich Sources

Red wine, onions, fennel, parsley, dill, oregano, and various medicinal herbs contain meaningful amounts of myricetin.

Challenges and Limitations

Current Research Gaps

• Lack of Clinical Trials: While preclinical data is robust, human clinical trials are scarce. Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies.
• Bioavailability Issues: Poor solubility and bioavailability limit efficacy in humans
• Dosage Optimization: Optimal human dosing protocols require clinical validation

Recent Advancements and Future Directions

Promising Developments

• Combination Therapies: Enhances efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy by overcoming drug resistance
• Nanotechnology: Nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and polymeric nanoparticles improve absorption
• Epigenetic Modulation: Emerging research explores DNA methylation and histone modification to silence oncogenes

Safety Profile

Studies suggest myricetin demonstrates selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells, indicating a favorable safety profile. However, high concentrations may cause cytotoxicity, and potential drug interactions (particularly with cisplatin) require careful evaluation in clinical settings.

Current Research Status

Preclinical Stage: Extensive in vitro and animal studies demonstrate consistent anticancer effects across multiple cancer types

Delivery Enhancement: Advanced nano-formulations showing promise for improved bioavailability and targeted delivery

Mechanistic Understanding: Well-characterized molecular pathways provide strong foundation for clinical development

Clinical Need: Human trials essential to validate safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing protocols

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Myricetin research is primarily in preclinical stages. Always consult with healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes or beginning any supplementation regimen, especially during cancer treatment.

Last updated: September 2025