Phloridzin (from apple extract root bark)

What is it?

Phloridzin is a natural compound found in apple extract, particularly in the root bark. It has gained attention for its potential medicinal properties, including its role in managing certain health conditions.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Phloridzin has been studied for its potential effects on various health conditions. It is believed to exert its medicinal effects through mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, modulation of glucose metabolism, and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

What are is active ingredients?

The active ingredient in Phloridzin is Phloridzin itself, which is a dihydrochalcone flavonoid.

What forms does it come in?

Phloridzin is available in supplement form, often derived from apple extract.

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

A deficiency in Phloridzin may impact certain physiological processes, particularly those related to glucose metabolism and oxidative stress. In such cases, supplementation or dietary modification may be warranted.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

The medicinal use of Phloridzin dates back to traditional medicine practices, although its specific origins are not precisely documented.

What does Phloridzin (from apple extract root bark) help with?

Phloridzin is a natural compound from the apple tree. Most of it sits in the root bark, with small traces in peel and juice. Apple bark has a long history in European folk medicine.

• High blood sugar and prediabetes
  Not yet tested in people — lab and animal mechanism work; no human trial of phloridzin on file. In lab studies, phloridzin blocked the carriers that pull sugar back into the blood. These carriers sit in the gut and the kidneys. In that work more sugar left the body in urine, but no human trial of phloridzin is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Blood sugar spikes after a big meal
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on the gut SGLT1 carrier only. In lab studies, phloridzin slowed a gut carrier called SGLT1. In theory that would blunt the sharp rise in sugar after a starchy meal. No human study has tested this for meal spikes, cravings, or energy crashes.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Type 2 diabetes, used alongside medicine
  Not yet tested in people — drug-class data; phloridzin itself untested in people. A whole class of diabetes drugs, the SGLT2 inhibitors, was modelled on phloridzin. Those drugs are stronger and have been tested in people. Phloridzin has not, and taking it with diabetes medicine could drop your blood sugar too low.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Insulin resistance
  Not yet tested in people — lab and animal work on the phloretin metabolite. Your body turns phloridzin into a compound called phloretin. In lab and animal work, phloretin lowered inflammatory signals in fat and liver tissue. Those signals drive insulin resistance, but no human trial has measured this.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Weight management
  Not yet tested in people — trials of prescription drugs, not of phloridzin. Trials of prescription SGLT2 inhibitor drugs found small but steady weight loss. The idea is that sugar leaves in the urine, taking calories with it. Phloridzin acts on the same route in lab work, but no human weight study of it is on file.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Metabolic syndrome
  Not yet tested in people — early lab research; no human trial. Metabolic syndrome means high blood sugar, belly fat, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol together. Early research points to possible effects on blood fats. No human trial has tested phloridzin in people with this cluster.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Oxidative stress and inflammation
  Not yet tested in people — test-tube antioxidant studies only. In test-tube studies, phloretin was a strong antioxidant and mopped up free radicals. Researchers are looking at cells in the liver, kidneys, and blood vessels. Whether any of this protects organs in people has not been tested.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0
• Bone strength
  Not yet tested in people — conflicting early work; drug trials point one way, lab work the other. Trials of strong prescription SGLT2 drugs raised questions about bone density. Early work on phloridzin at food-level doses pointed the other way, toward antioxidant support. The net effect at supplement doses is not known.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T0

What Phloridzin (from apple extract root bark) has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to replace, reduce, or stand in for diabetes medicine.
• No human study shows it lowers blood pressure or improves cholesterol.
• It has not been shown to reverse insulin resistance in people.
• It has not been shown to build or protect bone at supplement doses.
• It has not been shown to stop prediabetes from turning into diabetes.

How to read this:

Grade A means several good human trials agree. B means one good human trial. C means small or mixed human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study at all, only lab work, animal work, or tradition. Every use on this page sits at insufficient. That is not proof it fails; it means the studies have not been done. This page lists options and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor first, above all if you take diabetes medicine.

What can it help prevent?

Phloridzin may also have preventive effects on certain conditions, including:

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Cardiovascular disease
4. Age-related cognitive decline
5. Neurodegenerative diseases
6. Skin aging
7. Metabolic syndrome
8. Inflammation
9. Oxidative stress
10. Hyperlipidemia

Which foods rich in Phloridzin:

Phloridzin is predominantly found in apples, particularly in their root bark. Other foods that may contain Phloridzin include pears and cherries.

What are potential side effects?

Phloridzin supplementation is generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort (such as nausea or diarrhea) in a small percentage of individuals.

Recommended daily dose:

The recommended daily dosage of Phloridzin supplementation for adults is typically around 100-300 mg per day.

Time it takes to work:

The time it takes for Phloridzin supplementation to exert noticeable effects may vary depending on individual factors and the specific health condition being targeted. However, significant effects may be observed within a few weeks to months of consistent supplementation.

Best time to take it:

Phloridzin supplements can generally be taken at any time of the day, but it's advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Taking it with meals may help improve absorption.

Should I take it with or without Food:

Phloridzin supplements can be taken with or without food, although taking them with a meal may help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort.