Taxifolin as a Therapeutic Potential for Weight Loss: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Yorito Hattori1,2, Yuriko Nakaoku3, Soshiro Ogata3
1Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Osaka, Japan.
Background/Objectives:
The current approach to obesity care, which primarily focuses on weight loss, is often insufficient because of the challenges in maintaining long-term results. Therefore, novel, safe, and sustainable medications for obesity are highly anticipated. Taxifolin, a natural bioactive flavonoid, was found to exert pleiotropic protective effects against various diseases. Our experimental in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that taxifolin administration contributes to weight loss. Accordingly, we hypothesized that long-term oral intake of taxifolin was clinically associated with weight loss.
Methods:
A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted on participants who consistently monitored their body weight during routine clinic visits between January 2021 and July 2021. Body weight changes of the patients who received 300 mg/day of taxifolin were compared with those of patients who did not receive taxifolin.
Results:
The study enrolled a total of 62 patients: 36 received taxifolin and 26 did not receive taxifolin. Long-term intake of taxifolin showed greater weight loss than those not receiving taxifolin over a mean follow-up of 176.1 and 177.7 days, respectively (-1.6 vs. -0.3 kg; p = 0.026). Furthermore, long-term taxifolin intake was an independent predictor of increased weight loss (adjusted β [mean difference] -0.14, 95% confidence interval [-2.69, -0.18], p = 0.026). No adverse events were observed.
Conclusions:
Long-term daily oral intake of taxifolin may safely and sustainably prevent or manage obesity.
Insights
Long-term taxifolin intake may aid in weight loss and obesity management. This natural flavonoid showed a significant association with reduced body weight in a clinical study without adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements
- Obesity research
- Pharmacology of natural compounds
Background:
- Current obesity care often fails long-term due to challenges in weight maintenance.
- Novel, safe, and sustainable obesity medications are needed.
- Taxifolin, a natural flavonoid, demonstrates protective effects and promotes weight loss in preclinical studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical association between long-term oral taxifolin intake and weight loss.
- To evaluate the safety and sustainability of taxifolin for obesity management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective longitudinal study design.
- Comparison of body weight changes in patients receiving 300 mg/day taxifolin versus a control group.
- Data collected during routine clinic visits between January 2021 and July 2021.
Main Results:
- A total of 62 patients were analyzed (36 taxifolin, 26 control).
- Long-term taxifolin intake resulted in significantly greater weight loss (-1.6 kg vs. -0.3 kg; p=0.026) over a mean follow-up of approximately 177 days.
- Taxifolin intake was an independent predictor of increased weight loss (adjusted β -0.14; p=0.026) with no observed adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Long-term daily oral taxifolin intake appears to be a safe and sustainable option for obesity prevention or management.
- Taxifolin shows potential as a novel therapeutic agent for weight control.
- Further research may validate taxifolin's role in clinical obesity treatment.
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