Fisetin: A Flavonoid with Exciting Potential Benefits for Senior Dog Health

As dog owners, we're always on the lookout for ways to support our furry friends' health and wellbeing, especially as they enter their golden years. While a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and plenty of love are essential, researchers are also exploring the potential of specific nutrients and compounds to promote healthy aging in dogs. One intriguing candidate is fisetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables like strawberries, apples, and cucumbers.

What is Fisetin?

Fisetin is a bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid family, a group of plant-based substances known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While fisetin is found in various plant foods, it's challenging to get therapeutic amounts from diet alone. That's where fisetin supplements come in, offering a concentrated dose of this promising molecule.

Potential Benefits of Fisetin for Senior Dogs

Although research on fisetin specifically in dogs is still limited, a growing body of evidence from animal studies suggests that this flavonoid could offer multiple benefits for aging canines:

1. Supporting Brain Health and Cognitive Function

One of the most exciting potential applications of fisetin is in promoting brain health. Several studies have found that fisetin supplementation can protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in animal models.

For example, fisetin reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the brains of aging rats, while improving markers of synaptic function and neuronal health.¹ In a mouse model of rapid aging, fisetin supplementation alleviated cognitive deficits and restored brain markers associated with synaptic function, stress, and inflammation.²

By combating key drivers of brain aging, fisetin may help maintain cognitive function in senior dogs.

2. Promoting Healthy Aging and Longevity

Beyond its brain-protective effects, fisetin shows promise as a general anti-aging compound. In the roundworm C. elegans, a popular model for aging research, dietary fisetin extended lifespan, enhanced stress resistance, and delayed age-related declines in mobility.³

Fisetin has also been identified as a senolytic agent, meaning it can selectively eliminate senescent cells that accumulate with age and contribute to various age-related diseases.⁴ By promoting healthy aging at the cellular level, fisetin may help dogs live longer, healthier lives.

3. Supporting Metabolic Health and Weight Management

Obesity is a growing concern in the pet population, and it can contribute to various health issues in senior dogs. Promisingly, fisetin has been shown to regulate metabolism and body composition in animal models.

In mice fed a high-fat diet, fisetin supplementation significantly reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation by inhibiting adipogenesis (the formation of new fat cells) and modulating signaling pathways involved in lipid metabolism.⁵ Fisetin also improved markers of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in rodent models of metabolic dysfunction.⁶

By supporting healthy weight and metabolism, fisetin may help protect senior dogs against obesity-related health challenges.

Is Fisetin Safe for Dogs?

While fisetin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it's crucial to remember that most research to date has been conducted in laboratory animals or cell cultures, not dogs specifically. As with any new supplement, it's best to consult your veterinarian before adding fisetin to your senior dog's regimen.

Your vet can help you determine if fisetin is appropriate for your individual dog based on their health status and any medications they're taking. They can also guide you on proper dosage and brand selection to ensure safety and quality.

The Bottom Line

Fisetin is an exciting natural compound with diverse potential health benefits for senior dogs, from supporting brain function to promoting healthy aging and metabolism. As more dog-specific research emerges, fisetin may become a valuable addition to a comprehensive wellness plan for our beloved canine companions in their golden years.

Of course, no single supplement is a magic bullet for canine health. A holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proactive veterinary care remains the foundation for helping our dogs thrive at every age. But with proper guidance from a trusted vet, fisetin supplements may offer one more tool in our arsenal to support our furry friends as they gracefully navigate the aging process by our side.

References:

1. Singh, S., Singh, A., Garg, G., & Rizvi, S. I. (2018). Fisetin as a caloric restriction mimetic protects rat brain against aging induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and neurodegeneration. Life Sciences, 193, 171-179. https://consensus.app/papers/fisetin-restriction-protects-brain-aging-stress-singh/96bfa7e7f01c54a0873b2a990bb2e950/

2. Currais, A., Farrokhi, C., Dargusch, R., Armando, A., Quehenberger, O., Schubert, D., & Maher, P. (2018). Fisetin Reduces the Impact of Aging on Behavior and Physiology in the Rapidly Aging SAMP8 Mouse. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 73(3), 299-307. https://consensus.app/papers/fisetin-reduces-impact-aging-behavior-physiology-rapidly-currais/9c078c550b9a5a16b073cc4b82109ba2/

3. Park, S., Kim, B. K., & Park, S. K. (2022). Effects of Fisetin, a Plant-Derived Flavonoid, on Response to Oxidative Stress, Aging, and Age-Related Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans. Pharmaceuticals, 15(12), 1528. https://consensus.app/papers/effects-fisetin-plantderived-flavonoid-response-park/cd9c5939398b5530b37a23598c634d73/

4. Currais, A., Farrokhi, C., Dargusch, R., Armando, A., Quehenberger, O., Schubert, D., & Maher, P. (2018). Fisetin Reduces the Impact of Aging on Behavior and Physiology in the Rapidly Aging SAMP8 Mouse. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 73(3), 299-307. https://consensus.app/papers/fisetin-reduces-impact-aging-behavior-physiology-rapidly-currais/9c078c550b9a5a16b073cc4b82109ba2/

5. Jung, C., Kim, H., Ahn, J., Jeon, T. I., Lee, D. W., & Ha, T. Y. (2013). Fisetin regulates obesity by targeting mTORC1 signaling. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 24(8), 1547-1554. https://consensus.app/papers/fisetin-regulates-obesity-targeting-mtorc1-signaling-jung/77acae9434f95987875d0e373c348841/

6. Shin, M. J., Cho, Y., Moon, J., Jeon, H. J., Lee, S. M., & Chung, J. H. (2013). Hypocholesterolemic effect of daily fisetin supplementation in high fat fed Sprague-Dawley rats. Food and chemical toxicology, 57, 84-90. https://consensus.app/papers/hypocholesterolemic-effect-daily-fisetin-shin/95b8ec1da64c56a58a64f8f9e2d48e90/

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

We recognize there may be different points of view or opinions on some aspect or even the premise of this article. Our goal at LongTails is to provide the best, clearest, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.