Quercetin

What is Quercetin?

Quercetin is a naturally occurring plant flavonoid belonging to the polyphenol family. As a flavonoid, quercetin has antioxidant properties and has been associated with a range of potential health benefits. Quercetin can be found in foods such as red onions, apples, kale berries and leafy greens. Notably, there are only a few plants that contain a high enough concentration to be extracted, with fava d'anta (dimorphandra mollis) - a tree native to Brazil - being one of them.

Health Benefits:

Powerful Antioxidant Action

The powerful antioxidant abilities of quercetin allow it to help protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralising harmful reactive oxygen species. This antioxidant action is key to maintaining long term health, as research consistently highlights the negative effects of oxidative stress including cellular damage, ageing and the development of various diseases including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Quercetin has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory properties indicating its value for address inflammatory conditions and reducing discomfort associated with inflammation. One study found that following taking 500mg of quercetin, women with rheumatoid arthritis experienced significantly reduced early morning stiffness, morning pain and after-activity pain.

Boosts Immune System Function

It is also believed that quercetin may be able to boost immune system function, helping the body fight infections and protecting long term health. Quercetin has also been shown to provide protective effects against various autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease, indicating its role in healthy immune function.

Supports Metabolic Health

Studies indicate that quercetin may be beneficial for metabolic health and has potential to provide therapeutic effects for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. One example of quercetins beneficial effects on metabolic health is its ability to promote the secretion of insulin and significantly reduce insulin resistance, therefore supporting the maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels. Furthering this, some studies have shown that treatment with cholesterol can reduce cholesterol levels and therefore help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and restricted blood flow.

History:

Flavonoid-rich plants containing quercetin have been used for centuries in traditional herbal systems, including European folk medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to support cardiovascular health and relieve inflammation. Moreover, foods naturally high in quercetin content such as onions, apples, and leafy greens have long been valued for their perceived health-promoting properties.

Typical Use:

Quercetin is regularly consumed through a healthy balanced diet containing foods such as leafy greens, kale, onions, apples and blueberries. However, many also choose to supplement quercetin to ensure that they obtain optimal intake and maximise the health benefits this flavonoid can provide. Dietary supplements also sometimes combine quercetin with synergistic ingredients such as vitamin C, bromelain or zinc.