Nano Dihydroquercetin - a scientific solution supporting the treatment of blood lipid disorders, cardiovascular and brain protection

Nano Dihydroquercetin Product

Growing Risk of Lipid Disorders Among Younger People

In recent years, the rate of lipid disorders in Vietnam has continuously increased and shows a worrying trend toward younger age groups. According to the National Institute of Nutrition, about 29% of adults in Vietnam suffer from hyperlipidemia (also known as dyslipidemia or high cholesterol), with the rate reaching as high as 44.3% in urban areas. Previously, the condition was mostly found in those over the age of 55, but now it is increasingly affecting younger people. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that the age group from 35 to 41 is experiencing the fastest increase in incidence.

The primary causes lie in unhealthy diets and lifestyles, such as the consumption of high-fat foods, excessive alcohol, sugary soft drinks, and stimulants, which increase bad cholesterol and triglycerides—major factors contributing to hyperlipidemia and fatty liver disease. In addition, work-related stress, chronic tension, and sedentary habits are also making the condition more prevalent in the community.

Aiming to develop a natural extract product that helps combat lipid disorders, Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong and her research team from the Center for Applied Physics and Scientific Equipment – Institute of Physics – Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) implemented the project: “Commercial Development of Nano Dihydroquercetin (Taxifolin) Extracted from Dahurian Larch to Support Blood Lipid Stabilization” (Code: UDSPTM.04/22-23).

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, the current reality shows a growing rate of lipid disorders and atherosclerosis, particularly among younger individuals. In this context, the use of antioxidants to slow or prevent lipid oxidation—the main cause of plaque formation and atherosclerosis—is drawing increasing attention from both scientists and consumers. She noted that while the market has seen various products supporting blood lipid control and circulation, most are still in crude form with limited bioavailability. Meanwhile, some imported products are high in quality but expensive or lack clear origin. Therefore, the research team identified the development of a natural, safe, and effective product suitable for a wide range of users as an urgent and practical task.

A Precious Natural Compound

Dihydroquercetin, also known as Taxifolin, is a rare flavonoid compound extracted from the Dahurian Larch tree, which grows widely in Siberia, Russia, and some temperate countries. Numerous studies worldwide have proven that this compound has powerful antioxidant properties, capable of neutralizing free radicals and protecting cell membranes, thus preventing diseases caused by aging and oxidative stress. Additionally, Dihydroquercetin helps reduce bad cholesterol, enhance cerebral blood circulation, protect the liver, improve sleep quality, and support the prevention of plaque formation in blood vessels.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong shared that laboratory analysis from Brunswick Lab (USA) showed that the antioxidant ORAC index of Dihydroquercetin reached 104,126 µmol TE/gram—55 times higher than vitamin C and far exceeding vitamin E. This makes it one of the few natural compounds capable of neutralizing nearly all types of free radicals in the human body.

However, the drawback of crude Dihydroquercetin lies in its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and limited absorption when taken orally. To solve this challenge, the research team successfully developed nano-technology to transform the compound into a liquid gel form with particle sizes under 50 nanometers. As a result, the compound fully disperses in water, is rapidly absorbed into the body, and delivers optimal effects. This technological breakthrough led to the creation of Nano Dihydroquercetin.

A Health Protection Product

Nano Dihydroquercetin is the result of research initiated by Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong and colleagues in 2018, in collaboration with two enterprises: Vietnam–France Pharmaceutical and Technology Transfer Joint Stock Company, and Diamond France Pharmaceutical–Cosmetic Joint Venture Company. After completing the research and technological process, the team successfully formulated Nano Dihydroquercetin in gel form and produced 2,000 trial commercial products. Among them, 1,200 products were transferred to enterprises for commercialization, while 800 were retained for further research and development at the Institute.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong

In addition to the commercial product, the project also brought about significant scientific achievements. The research team registered a trademark and was granted a utility solution patent (No. 3897, issued on December 5, 2024), and successfully developed a gel-type nano formulation process with a capacity of 3 kg per equipment cycle. Furthermore, the team completed the product’s basic technical specifications and published three scientific articles, including one in a prestigious SCIE-indexed international journal.

With the desire to bring science closer to life, Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong and her colleagues devoted significant effort to developing a natural-origin product aimed at high-risk cardiovascular groups, such as individuals with lipid disorders, atherosclerosis, blood vessel blockages, fatty liver, cerebral circulatory insufficiency, insomnia, and headaches. The product is also suitable for those needing to boost their health or recover in polluted environments or conditions affected by oxidative stress and free radicals.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong stated that the production process of Nano Dihydroquercetin has been successfully developed to meet large-scale commercial production standards. The product is currently manufactured at the GMP-certified factory of Diamond France Pharmaceutical–Cosmetic Joint Venture Company, meeting strict pharmaceutical production standards to ensure product safety and quality. The product has been approved for circulation by the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Health. At present, the research team and its partners are actively building a distribution network and expanding the domestic market to bring the product closer to consumers.

Product Manufacturing Process at a GMP-Certified Facility

The success of this project not only marks a significant advancement in the application of nano technology to natural medicinal compounds, but also clearly demonstrates the determination of scientists at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to move research beyond the laboratory and serve the community directly. Nano Dihydroquercetin is not only a health-supporting product but also a testament to the right direction of applied science, where research results can lead to practical value and long-term benefits for society. These achievements will provide a solid foundation for the research team to continue developing new products, bringing science and technology even closer to daily life.

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version