There are certain natural supplements which quite often fly under the radar and then for various reasons become the ‘go to’ supplement. One of those natural supplements is Quercetin. Recently I wrote about Quercetin for allergies as well as immunity. Quercetin, when taken with Zinc has been found to be beneficial because of Quercetin’s ability to transport Zinc into our cells. This in turn can diminish the replication of viruses plus support immunity. This obviously, is why Quercetin has become so popular of late.

Quercetin is a pigment which is part of a group of plant compounds known as flavonoids. These flavonoids have been found to be beneficial for many health conditions.

Because Quercetin acts as a natural antihistamine, we have known for some time that Quercetin can be helpful for treatment of allergies.

Quercetin however has several other benefits including lowering the risk of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is now believed Quercetin may assist cognitive function in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This is thought to occur because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s understood Quercetin may lessen symptoms of Alzheimer’s by inhibiting cell death in conjunction with diminishing the effect of current cellular damage.

We know Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive deterioration can arise for many reasons however numerous researchers believe oxidative stress and inflammation in our brain may contribute to these conditions. As we know severe inflammation in our brain is essential to assist in recovery after an injury. The problem arises when this inflammation is not resolved, becomes chronic and evolves into diseases linked to our brain. Another reason for a deterioration in our cognitive function may be oxidative stress which can develop through accumulation of free radicals. Insufficient antioxidants in our body, means free radicals can build up creating damage to our cells. Because of its antioxidant properties, Quercetin may decrease ROS levels which when accumulated in our brain, can be the cause of neuro deterioration and inflammation.

Quercetin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, connecting the compound to better cognition and brain health. Interestingly coffee has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly many believed caffeine to be responsible for the positive outcomes against Alzheimer’s, however it has now been found to be the Quercetin contained in coffee.

Quercetin has also been found to be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. We know free radicals can harm our cells; however it has also been found elevated levels of free radicals can also cause inflammation. An 8-week study of 50 women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis found participants supplementing with 500mg of Quercetin found early morning pain and stiffness and pain experienced after activity majorly decreased. The participants also experienced reduced markers of inflammation compared to those who received the placebo (2).

There is also research indicating Quercetin may assist in the reduction of blood pressure by relaxing our blood vessels. In a review of 9 human studies with 580 patients taking 500mg Quercetin daily it found Quercetin lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 5.8mm Hg and 2.6 MM Hg respectively (1).

Interestingly Quercetin has also been beneficial for blood sugar management. A 2009 study found taking 500mg of Quercetin for at least 8 weeks reduced blood glucose levels in people suffering from metabolic syndrome and were at risk of Type 2 Diabetes (3).

So, there we are, this often little known flavonoid can benefit our health in so many ways whether it be immunity, allergies, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, rheumatoid arthritis or even degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Quercetin as a dietary supplement is not easily absorbed which is why Quercetin supplements often also contain Vitamin C which assists with absorption.

For further information on Quercetin or any health problem call to see Bev and the girls at Go Vita, Your Health Shop, at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone 02 44729737.

 1. Effects of Quercetin on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Maria-Corina Serban, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Alberto Zanchetti, Dimitri P Mikhailidis, George Howard, Diana Antal, Florina Andrica, Ali Ahmed, Wilbert S Aronow, Paul Muntner, Gregory YH Lip, Ian Graham, Nathan Wong, Jaced Rysz, Maciej Banach, PMID: 27405810 PMCID: PMC5015358 DOI: 10.1161/JAHA 1115.002713

2. The Effect of Quercetin on Inflammatory factors and Clinical Symptoms in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Fatemeh Javadi;man Ahmadsadeh, Shahryar Eghtesadi, Naheed Aryaeian, Mozhdeh Zabiheganeh, Abbas Rahimi Foroushani, Shima Jazayeri PMID 27710596 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2016,1140093

3. Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

4. Vahidreza Ostadmohammadi, Alireza Milajerdi, Elnaz Ayati, Fariba Kolahdooz, Zatollah Asemi  PMID 30848564 DOI:10.1002/ptr.6334