Quercetin: what are its benefits and in which supplements is it found?
In these rather peculiar times, many of us are turning our attention to natural ingredients that can help boost our immunity. One substance often highlighted in this regard is quercetin. What exactly is it, what benefits does it offer and where is it found?
What exactly is quercetin?
A pigment that gives certain plants their colour
Despite the fact that it’s an important element of our diet, quercetin (also known as quercetol) is not a substance that many people are familiar with.
It’s actually part of the large family of flavonoids, pigments that give flowers, fruits and vegetables their colour. (1) More specifically, quercetin belongs to the flavonoid subgroup flavonols, characterised by their bright yellow colour. (2)
It is also distinguished by its bitter taste.
The active principle in many medicinal plants
Quercetin is thought to be the most active of the flavonoids.
In many cases, medicinal plants owe their beneficial properties to their high quercetin levels: ginkgo, St. John’s Wort, and elderberry, for example. Quercetin is also found in a wide range of foods, including capers, yellow peppers, raw onions, wild blueberries and green tea. (3) (4)
What are quercetin’s benefits?
A natural substance that strengthens the immune defences
Quercetin is a nutrient that’s highly beneficial for health. In particular, it helps to stimulate the immune response and regulate excessive inflammation. (5) (6) (7) (8)
It promotes, for example, biogenesis of mitochondria, often referred to as the cells’ powerhouses. It also strengthens and reduces the permeability of capillary walls, the body’s tiniest blood vessels. (9)
Quercetin also acts by supporting vitamin C, another nutrient important for immunity. It increases vitamin C’s effects and absorption, and even slows down its elimination from the body.
Quercetin is also a powerful anti-infectious agent
Quercetin displays potent anti-infectious properties. There are many references in the scientific literature to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral benefits. (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) Indeed, as Dr Michel Chrétien of the Montreal Clinical Research Institute explained in an interview with Radio Canada on 25 February 2020, quercetin is currently used to treat and prevent the Ebola and Zika viruses.
In this same interview, Dr Chrétien expressed the hope that at the right dose, quercetin might also prove to be an effective treatment against the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. This is as yet unproven, but he is currently pursuing his research in this area. (17)
A super-antioxidant
Quercetin is also a powerful antioxidant. (18) (19) Antioxidants, as we know, are compounds that scavenge free radicals, the highly unstable molecules that attack and damage the body’s cells.
Taking quercetin thus helps to protect the body from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. (20) (21)
Quercetin slows down the ageing process and reduces the risk of cancer
This antioxidant action is important in positively influencing the ageing process and preventing disease. It can thus be said that this flavonol delivers genuine anti-ageing effects.
Quercetin may also help to protect the brain and nervous system. (22) (23) This neuroprotective effect was highlighted in mouse tests conducted in 2018. (24)
Some scientists have also found it to have anti-cancer properties (particularly against pancreatic cancer). These may be due to, amongst others, its inhibition of oxidative stress and its ability to prevent platelet aggregation. (25) (26) (27). However, if you are currently being treated with chemotherapy, it’s important to seek medical advice before taking it.
It’s excellent for reducing cholesterol and promoting good cardiovascular health
Supplementing with quercetin also helps to lower levels of ‘bad’ LDL-cholesterol, as well as reduce blood pressure. It has a positive effect on various parameters such as vascular compliance and peripheral resistance. (28)
Quercetin may also help reduce cardiovascular problems. (29)
A natural and highly effective anti-histamine
Last but not least, quercetin is recognised for its antihistamine (or anti-allergic) effects.
Histamine is the chemical mediator which plays a key role in allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, urticaria and eczema. Quercetin is thought to work by stabilising the membranes of histamine-releasing cells. (30) (31) (32)
But diet alone cannot provide sufficient quercetin
Recommended daily dose of quercetin
While we know that many foods contain this active principle, there’s little evidence that diet alone can provide us with the recommended daily dose of quercetin. In general, therefore, it’s advisable to supplement with 200mg-1200mg quercetin a day, for two to three months, to be sure of obtaining maximum benefit from this nutrient.
For example, to reach an intake of say, 500mg of quercetin a day, you’d have to eat at least a kilo of chili peppers every day … and it’s even worse in the case of other foods: a kilo of raw broccoli contains just 32mg of quercetin, a kilo of cherries 12mg, and a kilo of raw apples (peel included), just 1.3mg. (33)
Hence the value of nutritional supplements
So what can you do to make sure you get all the health benefits of this substance? The best and easiest way to ensure a higher daily intake is to take a course of one or more dietary supplements concentrated in quercetin. Feel free to combine several such products, in line with your particular needs, in order to increase your daily intake. As a recent study notes, quercetin supplementation is supported by the majority of the scientific literature. (34)
Discover our quercetin-rich supplements
Without further ado then, let us introduce you to our range of quercetin-containing supplements. We’ve listed these products in order of their dosage, the first three containing the highest amount of quercetin per daily dose, and so on:
Super Quercetin
Super Quercetin is a high quality patented anhydrous quercetin supplement. This supplement is 3 times better absorbed than the usual quercetin supplements on the market. It is the ideal ally to effectively and quickly increase your quercetin intake.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 1 000mg.
InflaRelief Formula
This highly effective supplement was developed to help fight chronic inflammation and infections. It contains 12 natural and powerful anti-inflammatories, which in addition to quercetin, include an extract of the immunostimulant plant Cat’s Claw, and rutin with antioxidant and vasoprotective effects.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 200mg.
TripleProtect
Triple Protect also delivers 200mg of quercetin a day. This triple-action, heart-healthy formula is designed to help combat hypertension and problems with blood flow and coagulation. Quercetin is included in particular for its ability to fight atherosclerosis by preventing platelet aggregation.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 200mg.
Natural Anti Aromatase Support
Natural Anti Aromatase Support was developed to combat aromatase which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen in men and for the overproduction of oestrogen in women, commonly seen after the age of 50. It contains several plant extracts with proven benefits, including an extract of Sophora japonica standardised to 95% quercetin.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 200mg.
Discover Natural Anti Aromatase Support
Senolytic Complex
Senolytic Complex is an innovative formulation designed to fight the ageing process. It acts by stimulating the self-destruction of senescent cells. Senolytic Complex contains quercetin from Sophora japonica, in its phytosomal form which is 20 times more bioavailable than standard quercetin.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 160 mg.
OptiHear™
Are you keen to protect or restore your hearing? The supplement OptiHear™, rich in ginkgo biloba extract, vitamin D3 and magnesium (aspartate) can help improve blood flow in your auditory system and combat substances toxic to the inner ear.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 150mg.
VeinoMax
Veinomax is a supplement that helps address problems of venous insufficiency and circulation in general. Its ingredients, namely troxerutin, diosmin and aescin, have been specially selected for their ability to improve vein health and comfort.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 142.5 mg.
OptiVision
Do you havedifficulty seeing properly, or want to take steps to prevent eyesight problems in the future? OptiVision is a comprehensive formulation specifically designed to support healthy vision. Its many natural ingredients (quercetin dihydrate, lipoic acid, extracts of blueberry and Schizandra berry …) help, in particular, to delay ageing of retinal cells.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 112.5mg.
Hear Loss Formula
In addition to OptiHear™, we offer another supplement for those with hearing problems: Hear Loss Formula. This innovative formulation, based on the latest scientific data, draws on compounds that stimulate blood vessel dilation in the inner ear. They also target free radicals which damage the auditory system.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 100mg.
Daily 6®
This exceptionally comprehensive multivitamin contains 55 ingredients, all selected to help you stay healthy, fight ageing and reduce the risk of illness. Along with quercetin, they include other flavonoids (rutin and luteolin …), numerous vitamins (A, D3, K1, B12, C ...) and magnesium.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose : 100mg.
Daily Booster
The supplement Daily Booster has been developed to help strengthen the immune system and slow down the ageing process. Along with quercetin, it contains, amongst others, acetyl L-carnitine arginate and R-lipoic acid, substances known to protect mitochondrial health and support the memory.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 100mg.
FlavoLife
If you’re looking for a supplement to give your body a general helping hand, FlavoLife is an excellent choice. As its name suggests, it contains no less than nine flavonoids: rutin, luteolin, hesperidin, fisetin... More than enough to deliver a wide range of positive effects: decrease in oxidative stress, reduction in chronic inflammation and protection of neuron structures.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 80mg.
Taxifolin
Taxifolin, also known as dihydroquercetin, has a very similar molecular structure to that of quercetin. Extracted from Siberian larch, this substance is rich in antioxidants and has a beneficial effect on blood flow and capillaries. The supplement Taxifolin thus supports good cardiovascular health and circulation.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 60mg.
Lung Detox
The well-known supplement Lung Detox contains a range of nutrients aimed at optimising respiratory function. Alongside quercetin, it contains N-acetyl cysteine, with a recognised effect in thinning bronchial secretions, and maritime pine extract with significant antioxidant potency. Perfect for improving respiration and supporting the lungs!
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose : 50mg.
Daily 3®
This second multivitamin formulation is an earlier version of Daily 6®. It is less expensive but has the same purpose: to help optimise health and defend against disease. Daily 3® contains no less than 42 natural extracts and other phytonutrients.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 50mg.
Resveratrol Synergy
The supplement Resveratrol Synergy has been designed to help extend life expectancy. You won’t be surprised to learn that it contains natural ingredients with powerful antioxidant properties which, apart from quercetin, also include transresveratrol and fisetin, as well as vitamin C. All these compounds act synergistically to reduce the risk of age-related health problems.
Amount of quercetin in a daily dose: 50mg.
References
- Kim JK, Park SU. Quercetin and its role in biological functions: an updated review. EXCLI J. 2018;17:856–863. Published 2018 Aug 27.
- Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System. Nutrients. 2016;8(10):659. Published 2016 Oct 21.
- Anand David AV, Arulmoli R, Parasuraman S. Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):84–89.
- Jeon SJ, Kim MO, Ali-Shah F, Koh PO. Quercetin attenuates the injury-induced reduction of γ-enolase expression in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model. Lab Anim Res. 2017;33(4):308–314.
- Li Y, Yao J, Han C, et al. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):167. Published 2016 Mar 15.
- Askari G, Ghiasvand R, Feizi A, Ghanadian SM, Karimian J. The effect of quercetin supplementation on selected markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(7):637–641.
- Kim JK, Park SU. Quercetin and its role in biological functions: an updated review. EXCLI J. 2018;17:856–863. Published 2018 Aug 27.
- Kobori M, Takahashi Y, Sakurai M, et al. Quercetin suppresses immune cell accumulation and improves mitochondrial gene expression in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016;60(2):300–312.
- Li Y, Yao J, Han C, et al. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):167. Published 2016 Mar 15.
- Kim JK, Park SU. Quercetin and its role in biological functions: an updated review. EXCLI J. 2018;17:856–863. Published 2018 Aug 27.
- Li Y, Yao J, Han C, et al. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):167. Published 2016 Mar 15.
- Jo S, Kim H, Kim S, Shin DH, Kim MS. Characteristics of flavonoids as potent MERS-CoV 3C-like protease inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2019;94(6):2023–2030.
- Uchide N, Toyoda H. Antioxidant therapy as a potential approach to severe influenza-associated complications. Molecules. 2011;16(3):2032–2052. Published 2011 Feb 28.
- Wu W, Li R, Li X, et al. Quercetin as an Antiviral Agent Inhibits Influenza A Virus (IAV) Entry. Viruses. 2015;8(1):6. Published 2015 Dec 25.
- Nile SH, Kim DH, Nile A, Park GS, Gansukh E, Kai G. Probing the effect of quercetin 3-glucoside from Dianthus superbus L against influenza virus infection- In vitro and in silico biochemical and toxicological screening. Food Chem Toxicol. 2020;135:110985.
- Wong G, He S, Siragam V, et al. Antiviral activity of quercetin-3-β-O-D-glucoside against Zika virus infection. Virol Sin. 2017;32(6):545–547.
- https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1538011/quercetine-coronavirus-michel-chretien-ircm-montreal-patrice-roy
- Anand David AV, Arulmoli R, Parasuraman S. Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):84–89.
- Li Y, Yao J, Han C, et al. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):167. Published 2016 Mar 15.
- Askari G, Ghiasvand R, Feizi A, Ghanadian SM, Karimian J. The effect of quercetin supplementation on selected markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. J Res Med Sci. 2012;17(7):637–641.
- Kobori M, Takahashi Y, Sakurai M, et al. Quercetin suppresses immune cell accumulation and improves mitochondrial gene expression in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016;60(2):300–312.
- Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System. Nutrients. 2016;8(10):659. Published 2016 Oct 21.
- Jeon SJ, Kim MO, Ali-Shah F, Koh PO. Quercetin attenuates the injury-induced reduction of γ-enolase expression in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model. Lab Anim Res. 2017;33(4):308–314.
- Park DJ, Shah FA, Koh PO. Quercetin attenuates neuronal cells damage in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model. J Vet Med Sci. 2018;80(4):676–683.
- Anand David AV, Arulmoli R, Parasuraman S. Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):84–89.
- Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System. Nutrients. 2016;8(10):659. Published 2016 Oct 21.
- Heo HJ, Lee CY. Protective effects of quercetin and vitamin C against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration. J Agric Food Chem. 2004;52(25):7514–7517.
- Marunaka Y, Marunaka R, Sun H, et al. Actions of Quercetin, a Polyphenol, on Blood Pressure. Molecules. 2017;22(2):209. Published 2017 Jan 29.
- Anand David AV, Arulmoli R, Parasuraman S. Overviews of Biological Importance of Quercetin: A Bioactive Flavonoid. Pharmacogn Rev. 2016;10(20):84–89.
- Rogerio AP, Sá-Nunes A, Faccioli LH. The activity of medicinal plants and secondary metabolites on eosinophilic inflammation. Pharmacol Res. 2010;62(4):298–307.
- Knekt P, Kumpulainen J, Järvinen R, et al. Flavonoid intake and risk of chronic diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(3):560–568.
- Mlcek J, Jurikova T, Skrovankova S, Sochor J. Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules. 2016;21(5):623. Published 2016 May 12.
- https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/usda-database-flavonoid-content-selected-foods-release-31-may-2014
- Pérez-Cano FJ, Castell M. Flavonoids, Inflammation and Immune System. Nutrients. 2016;8(10):659. Published 2016 Oct 21.
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