With the rapid growth of the natural health product market, selecting botanical ingredients with both scientific validation and commercial potential is crucial. Scientific support ensures product efficacy and safety, while commercial potential determines market acceptance and competitiveness. Quercetin, a flavonoid compound that has garnered significant attention, has become a star ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food, and skincare thanks to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This article provides an in-depth introduction to the different types of quercetin and their diverse health benefits, helping you better understand the value of this natural active ingredient.
What is Quercetin CAS 117-39-5?
Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid compound found in many fruits, vegetables, and plants. It is one of the most studied flavonols in the polyphenol family and has garnered scientific attention for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It appears as a yellow crystalline powder with low water solubility but is soluble in alcohols and other organic solvents.
Quercetin is primarily derived from various plants, including common foods like onions, apples, berries, tea, kale, and capers. It is widely used in various industries: in the food industry as a natural antioxidant additive; in dietary supplements and health products for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; in cosmetics for skin care and anti-aging effects; and in pharmaceuticals as a subject of research for potential therapeutic applications.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₁₀O₇
CAS Number: 117-39-5 (anhydrous form)
Appearance: Yellow crystalline powder
Solubility: Poor water solubility (requires special formulations)
This flavonoid compound is considered an essential dietary antioxidant, with research suggesting it may offer protective effects against various health conditions.
Types of Quercetin and Related Compounds
What is Quercetin (Anhydrous) – CAS 117-39-5
Anhydrous quercetin is an anhydrous yellow powder obtained by heating quercetin dihydrate to remove the crystal water. It is mainly used as a dietary supplement and natural antioxidant. It is widely used to support cardiovascular health, immune function, and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor research. It is also added to food, beverages, and medicines to play a role in the auxiliary treatment of chronic bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Quercetin generally refers to anhydrous quercetin.
What is Quercetin Dihydrate – CAS 6151-25-3
Quercetin dihydrate is a form of quercetin that contains two molecules of crystal water, appearing as yellow needle-shaped crystals. It is commonly used as a medicinal ingredient and has significant effects on expectorant, cough, and asthma relief. It also has the functions of lowering blood pressure, enhancing capillary resistance, reducing vascular fragility, lowering blood lipids, dilating coronary arteries, and increasing blood flow. It is mainly used to treat chronic bronchitis and assist in the treatment of coronary heart disease and hypertension. It is also used in dietary supplements and functional foods.
What is Dihydroquercetin (Taxifolin) – CAS 480-18-2
Dihydroquercetin is the reduced form of quercetin. Its double bonds are hydrogenated in its structure. It is a light yellow powder with better water solubility and bioavailability. It is often used in drug research and development, and the extraction of natural plant medicine ingredients. It has multiple physiological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health care. Due to its unique properties, it also plays a role in functional foods and natural dyes.
Quercetin VS Quercetin Dihydrate VS Dihydroquercetin (Taxifolin)
| Property | Quercetin | Quercetin Dihydrate | Dihydroquercetin (Taxifolin) |
| Crystallization Water | None | Contains 2 molecules of water | None |
| Solubility | Almost insoluble in water | Almost insoluble in water | Soluble in water |
| Melting Point | 316°C | ~93°C (decomposes upon dehydration) | 240°C |
| Activity Features | Strong antioxidant | Strong antioxidant | Slightly lower, more stable |
| Primary Sources | Plants (onion, tea leaves) | Hydrated form of Quercetin | Larch, grape seeds |
Benefits of Quercetin
Antioxidant Effects
Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that effectively scavenges free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. This helps delay the aging process and prevents a variety of oxidative stress-related diseases, including cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Quercetin inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses. It has therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Cardiovascular Protection
Quercetin promotes vasodilation, lowers blood pressure, and improves endothelial function. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and prevents thrombosis, contributing to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction.
Anti-Allergic Effects
By stabilizing mast cells and reducing the release of allergy mediators like histamine, quercetin helps relieve allergic symptoms, including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
Antitumor Activity
Research indicates that quercetin has potential anticancer properties. It can suppress tumor cell growth and proliferation through multiple mechanisms, including inducing apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and regulating the cell cycle.
Blood Sugar Reduction
Quercetin promotes glycogen synthesis in the liver, which helps lower blood glucose levels. This makes it a supportive treatment option for diabetes and other blood sugar-related conditions.
Cough Relief and Antiasthmatic Effects
Quercetin exhibits expectorant and antitussive properties, along with bronchial relaxation effects. It has shown efficacy in treating respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Applications of Quercetin in Industry
Food industry
Antioxidants: Quercetin is a natural antioxidant commonly used in oils, meats, and beverages. It can effectively delay food oxidation and spoilage, prevent oil spoilage, and maintain food flavor and color.
Functional food additive: Based on its antioxidant and immune regulatory functions, quercetin is added to health products, functional beverages, and nutritional supplements to meet consumers’ demand for healthy food.
Natural Preservative: Quercetin’s antimicrobial activity is gradually replacing some chemical preservatives, aligning with the “natural and safe” trend. Its application in various processed foods can help improve food safety.
Cosmetics industry
Antioxidation and anti-aging: Quercetin can eliminate free radicals in skin care products, reduce skin oxidative damage, and delay skin aging. It is often added to facial masks, lotion, and essence.
Anti-inflammatory and Soothing: Effectively relieves skin inflammation, improves sensitive skin, and reduces common problems such as redness, swelling, and irritation.
Anti-glycosylation: inhibits the glycosylation reaction of skin collagen, reduces collagen cross-linking, helps maintain skin elasticity and tightness, and improves anti-aging effect.
Pigment stabilizer: Quercetin sulfonate is used as a stabilizer for natural pigment purple sweet potato pigment, improving its heat resistance, light resistance, and acid alkali resistance, and expanding its application in cosmetics
Pharmaceutical field
Drug development: Quercetin, as a leading compound for the treatment of various diseases, has been widely studied for its therapeutic potential and mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, cancer, and other fields. It has anti-tumor, antithrombotic, and vascular protective effects.
Dihydroquercetin: Dihydroquercetin is the reduced form of quercetin and is a new food raw material. It is widely used in food, health products, and medicine, and has broad market demand and prospects.
Other areas
Intelligent packaging material: Quercetin combined with chitosan and other materials to develop food packaging films with antibacterial, antioxidant, and intelligent monitoring functions, which can monitor food freshness in real time and extend shelf life.
Industrial oil stabilizer: As an antioxidant applied to industrial oils, it prevents oil oxidation and deterioration, extends the service life of industrial oils such as mechanical equipment lubricants, and improves equipment operating efficiency.
Why Choose Runtai Chemical as Your Quercetin Powder Supplier?
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High Purity Quercetin powder with Strict Quality Control
Runtai Chemical supplies high-purity quercetin powder produced using advanced extraction and purification technologies. Our strict quality control throughout production ensures each batch meets international pharmacopeia and food safety standards, providing clients with reliable and consistent raw materials. -
GMP and ISO Certified Manufacturing System
We operate under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO 9001 quality management certifications, demonstrating our professionalism and adherence to stringent standards in production environments and processes. This ensures our quercetin products are suitable for high-end pharmaceutical, nutritional supplement, and functional food industries. -
Stable Supply Chain and Experienced Global Export
Runtai Chemical has established a robust raw material sourcing and supply chain management system to guarantee stable and continuous quercetin supply. With years of international export experience covering markets in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, we are familiar with diverse import regulations and standards, enabling seamless global trade services. -
Customized Packaging and Worldwide Logistics Support
We provide flexible packaging solutions tailored to client needs, including bulk, vacuum packaging, and customized labeling. Our global logistics network ensures safe and prompt delivery, minimizing transportation risks while maximizing customer satisfaction.
FAQ
Q1: What is Quercetin powder (CAS 117-39-5)?
A1: Quercetin powder, with CAS number 117-39-5, is a natural flavonoid compound found in many fruits and plants. It appears as a yellow to greenish-yellow crystalline powder, known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and feed industries.
Q2: What purity and specifications does your Quercetin powder meet?
A2: Runtai Chemical’s quercetin powder typically meets high purity standards of ≥95% (HPLC). The product is stable, controlled under GMP and ISO-certified production systems, ensuring consistency and quality for industrial and nutritional uses.
Q3: Why choose Runtai Chemical as your Quercetin supplier?
A3: Runtai Chemical is a reliable quercetin supplier with a stable global supply chain, strict quality control, GMP/ISO certifications, and extensive export experience. We provide customized packaging and worldwide logistics support to meet diverse needs.
Q4: What industries use Quercetin powder?
A4: Quercetin powder finds applications in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics for anti-aging, pharmaceutical research, food preservation, and animal feed additives.
Q5: How is Quercetin powder stored and handled?
A5: Quercetin powder (CAS 117-39-5) should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and air to maintain stability. It is insoluble in water and sensitive to moisture and heat, so airtight packaging under inert gas is recommended.
