Are you among the approximately forty percent of people with allergies or seasonal allergies? Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamine medications are effective for symptom relief. However, they can cause side effects like drowsiness and nausea. As a result, some individuals wish to try natural alternatives and explore what is Quercetin used for.
What Is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) that individuals sometimes consume as a medicine. Flavonoids are antioxidants that neutralize and help to avoid the damage from free radicals. Free radicals are the particles in your body that harm and even kill the cells and cell membranes.
It is the most commonly seen flavonoid found in several plants and foods. Most studies look at the impact of flavonoids like Quercetin within the diet rather than as a supplement.
Flavonoids exist in:
- vegetables
- fruits
- grains
- tea
- wine
They’ve been linked to the several health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease, cancer, as well as degenerative brain disorders.
Structure of Quercetin
Quercetin belongs to a specific group of plant compounds known as flavonoids, polyphenolic molecules containing 15 carbon atoms. Its structure includes a backbone of two benzene rings linked by a three-carbon chain, which forms an oxygenated heterocycle. This unique structure contributes to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Dietary Sources of Quercetin
Quercetin is naturally present in many foods that are part of a regular diet. Fruits, vegetables, and beverages like tea and wine are common sources. However, the form in which it is consumed, whether raw, cooked, or processed, can affect its bioavailability.
Food sources and dosage of Quercetin
Quercetin exists naturally in many plant-based foods, particularly in the outer layer or peel.
The good food sources include:
- capers
- peppers — yellow and green
- onions — red and white
- shallots
- asparagus — cooked
- cherries
- tomatoes
- red apples
- red grapes
- broccoli
- kale
- red leaf lettuce
- berries — all types like ranberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- tea — green and black
Note that the amount of Quercetin found in foods may depend on the conditions in which they were grown. For instance, in a specific study, organic tomatoes appear to possess up to 79% more Quercetin than the conventionally grown ones.
However, the other studies point out differences between quercetin content in several species of tomatoes irrespective of the farming method. There was no difference in the bell peppers, conventionally or organically grown.
How Does Quercetin Act as an Antioxidant?
Quercetin acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing the harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause the oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and several health problems. Quercetin’s antioxidant activity helps protect cells and promotes overall health.
Antioxidant Activity of Quercetin
Quercetin’s antioxidant properties originate from its capacity to donate the electrons to free radicals, neutralizing them as well as preventing any kind of cellular damage. Besides, Quercetin can chelate the metal ions, producing free radicals, further impacting its antioxidant effect. This antioxidant capacity has been associated with potential benefits in managing conditions such as allergies, where oxidative stress plays a key role. As such, Quercetin is often highlighted in discussions of natural remedies for allergies.
Quercetin also modulates the activity of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes play a crucial vital role in the body’s defense against oxidative stress. By promoting their activity, Quercetin helps to enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses. This makes it a very precious tool in the holistic approaches to managing allergy symptoms.
Health Benefits of Quercetin
Much research on Quercetin’s health benefits has been done in animals or cell cultures. However, more studies are needed to prove its benefits and safety in humans, especially when consumed as a supplement instead of in food.
People consume Quercetin to try to manage a variety of issues, including:
- Heart and vessel problems
- High blood pressure
- Prostate infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- Allergies
- Disease prevention
Quercetin for allergies
In lab tests, Quercetin stops the immune cells from releasing the histamines, the chemicals that trigger the allergic reactions. Due to this, researchers believe Quercetin might help to ease down allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, as well as swelling of the face and lips.
May reduce inflammation
Quercetin can help to stabilize cells that release the histamine in the body, which gives it anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
May improve athletic performance
Some athletes use quercetin to increase endurance and improve athletic performance. Although animal studies are promising, the impacts in humans, if any, are likely to be small. One of the biggest benefits of Quercetin for athletes may be that it may help prevent certain infections, such as upper respiratory infections or colds, after intense workouts.
May protect heart health
Early quercetin research on the heart and vessel disease is mixed. Some studies are positive, but some are open to debate. For instance, researchers link eating lots of foods rich in Quercetin to a lower risk of heart-related death in older men. But other studies are less convincing.
Could be anti-cancerous
Some studies link a diet rich in Quercetin with a lowered cancer risk, but more research is needed. Cancer research in the animal models has been promising, but it has not yet panned out for human trials. The latest meta-analysis views at ovarian cancer and reflects no detectable benefit.
Prostate health
Early evidence shows that Quercetin might help to ease the symptoms of prostatitis, which is prostate inflammation. A small research showed that men who consumed Quercetin had lesser symptoms than those who took a placebo. However, researchers will need to carry out more studies.
May protect brain health
Researchers have found that Quercetin may protect the brain cells from damage and death, which could help to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease and improve motor function.
Forms of Quercetin Supplements
Quercetin supplements are available in pill or capsule form and are often combined with bromelain, another anti-inflammatory enzyme found in pineapple. Water-soluble forms of Quercetin like hesperidin-methyl-chalcone (HMC) or quercetin-chalcone, are also available.
In conclusion
Quercetin is a plant pigment found in different foods. Some people also consume it as a supplement. People take it for several health issues like heart problems, higher blood pressure, prostate infections, respiratory infections, allergies as well as disease prevention. Research on how well Quercetin works is under staudy, with some promising results in animals and limited human benefits. Quercetin is usually safe when consumed in foods. However, high doses as a supplement can cause the health problems, including potential kidney damage and interactions with certain medications.
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