HormonesMelatonin

Taxifolin modulates circadian protein expression comparable to melatonin in cellular models of mood disorders

Taxifolin, identified via virtual screening of ~150,000 natural compounds against the Melatonin 1 receptor (MT1), showed high binding affinity (-9.527 kcal/mol) and stable protein-ligand complexes in molecular dynamics simulations. Immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that taxifolin modulated circadian regulators CLOCK and BMAL1 expression in a manner similar to melatonin, suggesting potential as a natural neuromodulator for mood disorders.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism☆☆☆☆☆
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Study Evidence

Study 1. Integrative network pharmacology and molecular modelling identify taxifolin as a potential modulator of melatonin receptor MT1 in mood disorders.

observational

Bartwal SS, Chhabra V, Rai A, Murti K, Kumar N · Molecular diversity (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Taxifolin (natural compound) identified via structure-based virtual screening of ~150,000 natural compounds against MT1 receptor
Outcome: Binding affinity to MT1 receptor, stability of protein-ligand complex (RMSD/RMSF fluctuations, hydrogen bonding), modulation of circadian protein expression (CLOCK and BMAL1)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: In silico models and cellular models (immunocytochemistry analysis)

Result:

PubMed: 42377825DOI: 10.1007/s11030-026-11630-2

Mechanism Graph

Taxifolin binds to melatonin receptor MT1 with high affinity (-9.527 kcal/mol)
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Forms stable protein-ligand complexes with sustained hydrogen bonding and reduced fluctuations
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Modulates circadian protein expression (CLOCK, BMAL1) in cells
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Suggests stabilization of melatonergic signaling and circadian rhythm regulation

Limitations

  • ⚠Study is primarily computational and in vitro; no in vivo or clinical validation provided
  • ⚠Immunocytochemistry data are preliminary and lack quantitative effect sizes or statistical comparisons

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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 content is 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.