Hormones · Melatonin

Taxifolin modulates circadian protein expression in a manner comparable to melatonin

Taxifolin, identified via virtual screening against the melatonin 1 receptor (MT1), showed a binding affinity of -9.527 kcal/mol and formed stable protein-ligand complexes in molecular dynamics simulations. Immunocytochemistry analysis indicated that taxifolin modulated circadian regulators CLOCK and BMAL1 expression similarly to melatonin in cellular models.

1 min readUpdated Jul 8, 20260 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Taxifolin modulates circadian protein expression in a manner comparable to melatonin The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 24/100 (low).

The Claim

Taxifolin modulates circadian protein expression in a manner comparable to melatonin

This conclusion is most relevant to: In silico models and cellular models (immunocytochemistry analysis).

What the Research Shows

The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:

  • Integrative network pharmacology and molecular modelling identify taxifolin as a potential modulator of melatonin receptor MT1 in mood disorders. (Molecular diversity, 2026) —

How It Works

The proposed biological pathway:

  • Taxifolin binds to melatonin receptor MT1 with high affinity (-9.527 kcal/mol)
  • Forms stable protein-ligand complex with sustained hydrogen bonding and reduced RMSD/RMSF fluctuations
  • Modulates circadian protein expression (CLOCK and BMAL1) in a manner comparable to melatonin
  • Indicates potential stabilization of melatonergic signaling in circadian-mood pathways

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • In silico models and cellular models (immunocytochemistry analysis)

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • Preliminary biological validation only via immunocytochemistry; no in vivo or clinical data provided
  • Computational modeling results require experimental confirmation of functional effects on mood disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is taxifolin?

Taxifolin is a natural flavonoid compound identified in this study as a potential modulator of the melatonin receptor MT1, showing high binding affinity and stable complex formation.

How was taxifolin identified?

Taxifolin was identified through structure-based virtual screening of approximately 150,000 natural compounds against the melatonin 1 receptor (MT1), followed by molecular dynamics simulations.

What does taxifolin do to circadian proteins?

Taxifolin modulated the expression of circadian regulators CLOCK and BMAL1 in a manner comparable to melatonin, as shown by immunocytochemistry analysis.

Is taxifolin a replacement for melatonin?

The study suggests taxifolin may be a safer natural alternative to synthetic melatonergic agents, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in mood disorders.

References

  1. 1.Bartwal SS, Chhabra V, Rai A, Murti K, Kumar N. “Integrative network pharmacology and molecular modelling identify taxifolin as a potential modulator of melatonin receptor MT1 in mood disorders..” Molecular diversity, 2026. PMID: 42377825 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-026-11630-2
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.