Europe is up with the larch

Taxifolin, otherwise known as trans-dihydroquercetin, is a flavonoid obtained via hydro-alcoholic extraction from the wood of the Dahurian larch, which is native to eastern Siberia.

Russian firm Ametis JSG, which is a major taxifolin supplier, boasting 70% of the market in the Russian Federation, applied for approval to use it in supplements and food products in 2010.

The extract has been marketed as a food supplement in Russia, Switzerland and the US for 1520 years and is authorised as a preservative within the Russian Federation. There are currently 40 food products in Russia containing the ingredient.

In addition, the supplement Pycnogenol, which is extracted from the bark of the French Maritime Pine and contains taxifolin, has been sold in the EU for more than 20 years.

Small quantities of taxifolin are also found in a number of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables and their products, such as red onion, citrus fruits, grapes and olive oil.

If commercialised within the EU, the ingredient will add to growing interest in flavonoids extracted from plant sources.

Ametis has proposed its use in products ranging from carbonated soft drinks and cereal bars to dairy products and confectionery.

The company claims taxifolin conveys benefits such as protecting body tissues from oxidative damage. anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and heart health properties.

In its draft opinion, the ACNFP concluded it was "satisfied by the evidence provided by the applicant Ametis that the range of uses for the novel ingredient (Taxifolin Rich Extract From Dahurian Larch) is acceptable, subject to the applicant's adherence to the proposed specification and the implementation of quality control measures described in their application dossier".

The ACNFP is preparing to issue its final opinion on taxifolin after the culmination of a period of public consultation.