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Kaempferol

Kaempferol is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It acts as a potent antioxidant and exhibits various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective effects.
Pricing

Kaempferol is primarily classified as a dietary supplement. Prices for Kaempferol supplements can vary widely depending on brand, dosage, and formulation. Few sources appear to be available.

Kaempferol

Cancer Impact Summary

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Full Supplement Details

Kaempferol is a yellow crystalline compound belonging to the flavonol subclass of flavonoids. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and can be found in foods such as broccoli, kale, tea, apples, and onions. Its molecular formula is C15H10O6.

Kaempferol’s molecular mechanism involves modulating numerous cellular signaling pathways, including:

  • NF-κB and MAPK pathways involved in inflammation
  • PI3K/AKT and STAT3 pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival
  • Caspase-dependent pathways involved in apoptosis

Preclinical studies indicate potential anti-cancer properties, including:

  • Inducing apoptosis: Kaempferol has been observed to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in various cancer cell lines, including breast, colon, and leukemia cells, by activating pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2.
  • Inhibiting cell proliferation: Studies suggest Kaempferol may interfere with cell cycle progression, particularly at the G2/M phase, by downregulating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins.
  • Reducing inflammation: Kaempferol’s anti-inflammatory properties, mediated through inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and iNOS, may play a role in its potential anti-cancer effects.
  • Antioxidant activity: Kaempferol can neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to DNA damage.
  • Angiogenesis inhibition: Some studies indicate Kaempferol may inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors, potentially limiting their growth.

However, these findings predominantly stem from in vitro and animal studies, often using high concentrations of Kaempferol. Translating these results to human cancer treatment requires further investigation through well-designed clinical trials.

Practical Limitations

  • High concentrations: Studies often use doses much higher than what is achievable through normal dietary intake or supplementation.
  • Bioavailability challenges: Kaempferol’s low absorption in the human body limits its effectiveness and requires strategies to enhance delivery.
  • Research gaps: While it shows promise, further clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for therapeutic use.

Metabolic Impact

Emerging studies suggest kaempferol may influence cancer cell metabolism by:

  • Modulating glucose uptake and mitochondrial function.
  • Interfering with lipid metabolism.

These metabolic effects are intriguing but require more research to determine their clinical relevance.

Dosage

Human Clinical Trials: A daily dose of 50 mg of kaempferol aglycone was found safe in healthy adults for a short period.

Dietary Intake: Average intake is about 5.4 mg/day.

Bioavailability: Varies based on form and source.

Cancer Types Tested Against

Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Leukemia, Liver Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Side Effects

Limited data on side effects exists in humans. Potential interactions with certain medications include:

  • Anticoagulants: Kaempferol may have antiplatelet effects, increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with blood thinners.
  • Cytochrome P450 substrates: Kaempferol may affect the metabolism of drugs processed by these enzymes.

Common side effects observed in animal studies at high doses include gastrointestinal disturbances and liver enzyme alterations. More research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of Kaempferol in humans.

Combination Therapies

Research on combination therapies involving Kaempferol is ongoing. Some studies suggest potential synergistic effects with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and doxorubicin in preclinical models, along with indications that it could sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy. However, these findings are preliminary and require further investigation in clinical settings.

Quality of Life Effects

There is recent data suggesting that kaempferol can improve quality of life by enhancing physical activity and sleep quality. Here are some key findings:

  1. Physical Activity and Sleep Quality: A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2024 demonstrated that daily intake of 10 mg of kaempferol for two weeks increased physical activity and improved sleep quality in untrained city workers. Participants showed a significant increase in daily step count and distance covered, along with reduced heart rates during physical activities and rest124.

  2. Behavioral Changes: The study noted that kaempferol led to behavioral changes that could improve long-term quality of life. These changes included increased recreational activities and outings, contributing to better mental well-being24.

  3. Potential for Broad Health Benefits: Researchers suggested that kaempferol, by improving oxygen supply and energy production, could offer broad health benefits beyond treating specific diseases, potentially enhancing overall quality of life12.

While this study specifically focused on physical activity and sleep, its findings suggest that kaempferol could contribute to an improved quality of life by promoting healthier behaviors and physiological improvements. However, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand its impact on quality of life across different demographics and health conditions.

Answers to all your questions

We’ve done our best to include as much information as possible for this supplement. 

If you have any other questions, please send us a message or join our Skool Group and ask our knowledgeable and friendly community.

Kaempferol is available as a dietary supplement in various formulations, including capsules, powders, and extracts. It can be purchased from health food stores, online retailers, and pharmacies.

Currently, there is limited specific information on which patient demographic might respond better to kaempferol treatment. However, studies suggest that kaempferol’s effects can vary based on factors such as the type of cancer or condition being treated, and potentially the genetic or hormonal status of the individual.

Insights from Available Studies

  • Cancer Treatment: Kaempferol has shown more pronounced effects in certain cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis more effectively compared to estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells4. This suggests that patients with TNBC might benefit more from kaempferol treatment.

  • Allergic Reactions: Kaempferol’s ability to modulate immune responses by promoting regulatory T-cell development could potentially benefit individuals with allergies, though more human studies are needed to confirm this1.

  • General Health Benefits: Kaempferol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may provide benefits across various demographics, particularly in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health2.

The mechanisms of potential resistance to Kaempferol in cancer cells are not fully understood. Hypothetical resistance mechanisms might include increased efflux of Kaempferol from cancer cells, metabolic adaptation, and activation of alternative survival pathways.

Several reviews and in vitro studies highlight its potential therapeutic benefits. Here are some recent reviews and studies that might be relevant:

  1. Anticancer Effects: A systematic review published in 2024 highlights kaempferol’s anticancer properties across various tumour types, including its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in cancer cells1.

  2. Gynaecological Malignancies: A review from December 2023 discusses kaempferol’s potential in treating gynaecological malignancies, particularly ovarian cancer, by inhibiting angiogenesis and cell proliferation6.

  3. Intestinal Health: A review from August 2023 explores kaempferol’s role in intestinal health, noting its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects3.

  4. Sleep Quality and Physical Activity: A study from August 2024 found that kaempferol ingestion can improve sleep quality and potentially enhance physical activity levels7.

  5. Aging-Related Diseases: A comprehensive review from April 2024 highlights kaempferol’s potential in combating aging-related diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties8.

While these studies and reviews provide valuable insights into kaempferol’s therapeutic potential, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for various conditions.

Dosage Ranges in Cancer Studies

  • Breast Cancer: Studies often use concentrations between 0.5 and 200 µM in cell lines like MCF-7 and MDA-MB-2314.

  • Colon Cancer: Concentrations of 0.01 to 200 µM have been used in cell lines such as HT-29 and HCT-1164. A specific study used 75 µM to sensitize cells to chemotherapy2.

  • Ovarian Cancer: Concentrations typically range from 4 to 160 µM in cell lines like OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP704.

  • Pancreatic Cancer: Studies have used concentrations up to 1000 µM4.

Mechanisms of Action

Kaempferol’s anti-cancer effects involve mechanisms such as:

  • Apoptosis Induction: Promoting programmed cell death in cancer cells.

  • Cell Cycle Arrest: Inhibiting cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle.

  • Anti-Angiogenesis: Preventing the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors15.

Important Considerations

  • In Vivo vs. In Vitro: While in vitro studies provide specific dosages, in vivo studies often require conversion to mg/kg body weight for animal models.

  • Human Trials: There is a need for more human clinical trials to establish safe and effective dosages for cancer treatment.

In summary, while specific dosages are reported in cell culture studies, translating these to human dosages requires further research and clinical trials.

Research on genetic markers related to Kaempferol’s efficacy is limited. Some studies have investigated how genetic variations might affect Kaempferol metabolism or its potential health effects, but no specific markers have been definitively linked to Kaempferol’s anti-cancer efficacy in humans.

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Inducing Apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a natural process where cells self-destruct when they are damaged or no longer needed. This is crucial for maintaining healthy tissues and preventing diseases like cancer. 

Drugs and supplements that induce apoptosis help eliminate cancerous cells by triggering this self-destruct mechanism, ensuring that harmful cells are removed without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. 

Understanding and harnessing apoptosis is vital in the fight against cancer, as it targets the root cause of the disease at the cellular level.

Inhibiting Cell Proliferation

Cell proliferation is the process by which cells grow and divide to produce more cells. While this is essential for growth and healing, uncontrolled cell proliferation can lead to cancer.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit cell proliferation help prevent the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells, slowing down or stopping the progression of the disease.

By targeting the mechanisms that drive cell division, these treatments play a vital role in controlling and potentially eradicating cancer.

Targeting Specific Pathways

Cancer cells often hijack specific biological pathways to grow and spread. Drugs and supplements that target these pathways can disrupt the cancer cell’s ability to survive and multiply.

By focusing on the unique mechanisms that cancer cells use, these treatments can be more effective and cause fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.

Targeting specific pathways is a key strategy in precision medicine, offering a tailored approach to combat cancer at its core.

Angiogenesis Inhibition

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form, supplying nutrients and oxygen to tissues. Cancer cells exploit this process to fuel their growth and spread.

Drugs and supplements that inhibit angiogenesis can effectively starve cancer cells by blocking the formation of these new blood vessels.

By cutting off the supply lines that tumors rely on, angiogenesis inhibitors play a crucial role in controlling and potentially shrinking cancerous growths.

Role in Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to combat cancer. By boosting or restoring the immune system’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer cells, immunotherapy offers a targeted and effective approach to treatment.

Drugs and supplements that support immunotherapy can enhance the immune response, making it more efficient at identifying and attacking cancer cells.

This innovative approach not only helps in treating cancer but also reduces the risk of recurrence, providing a powerful tool in the fight against this disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.

Drugs and supplements with anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, thereby lowering the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

By targeting the inflammatory processes, these treatments can help maintain a healthier cellular environment and prevent the conditions that allow cancer to thrive.