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Kaempferol

Kaempferol is a flavonol found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale), tea, and various fruits. Shows anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects in preclinical research. May mediate some health benefits of cruciferous vegetables. Poor oral bioavailability limits supplemental use. Epidemiological studies link flavonol intake to reduced CVD and cancer risk, but isolated kaempferol supplementation hasn't been studied in humans. Better obtained from diet than supplements.

Quick Answer

What it is

Kaempferol is a flavonol found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale), tea, and various fruits. Shows anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects in preclinical research.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Cancer Cell Proliferation
  • Grade D: Inflammation
  • Grade D: Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Safety

  • Epidemiological studies link flavonol intake to reduced CVD and cancer risk, but isolated kaempferol supplementation hasn't been studied in humans.
  • Epidemiological studies link higher dietary flavonol intake (including kaempferol from cruciferous vegetables, tea, and fruits) to reduced CVD risk.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Kaempferol

Quick Facts: Kaempferol

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
2 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Cancer Cell Proliferation
In vitro studies demonstrate kaempferol induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation across multiple cancer cell lines (breast, prostate, colon) via NF-kB inhibition and cell cycle arrest. A 2022 review catalogued anticancer signaling pathways modulated by kaempferol. No human clinical trials exist, and poor oral bioavailability severely limits translation from cell culture findings.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Inflammation
In vitro and animal studies consistently demonstrate kaempferol is a potent NF-kB and COX-2 inhibitor, with well-documented anti-inflammatory activity across multiple preclinical models. No human clinical trials have assessed anti-inflammatory effects of isolated kaempferol supplementation. Poor oral bioavailability limits therapeutic relevance of these preclinical findings.
10 studies
moderate↓Improves
D
Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Epidemiological studies link higher dietary flavonol intake (including kaempferol from cruciferous vegetables, tea, and fruits) to reduced CVD risk. Preclinical models show endothelial protection and anti-inflammatory effects on vascular tissue. However, no human trials have tested isolated kaempferol supplementation for cardiovascular endpoints, and epidemiological associations cannot be attributed to kaempferol specifically.
8 studies
small↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
Preclinical evidence shows kaempferol activates the Nrf2 antioxidant response pathway and exerts direct free radical scavenging activity in cell and animal models. No human trials have measured changes in antioxidant biomarkers following kaempferol supplementation. Dietary intake from vegetables likely contributes to overall antioxidant intake but isolated effects are unquantified in humans.
5 studies
small↑Improves

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