Quercetin: features, benefits and rules of administration

Flavonoids are a powerful weapon in the fight against atherosclerosis, oncology, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The use of one of them, quercetin, has a particularly beneficial effect on the body.

This substance prevents damage and death of nerve cells, the development of varicose veins, and produces strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antitumor effects. Therefore, the presence of even minimal portions of bioflavonoid in the daily diet can relieve many problems.

Benefits for the body

Quercetin is a glycoside of the vitamin P group. Helps fight aging, strengthens capillary walls, has a membrane-stabilizing and strong regenerative effect. This substance also accelerates the healing of the mucous membrane and prevents the destruction of bone tissue in joint pathologies.

The compound is also similar to rutin, lowering high blood pressure, protecting brain cells from damage, and having estrogen-like effects. Therefore, doctors often prescribe it during radiation therapy.

You can get more information about the beneficial properties of plant flavonoid from the video:

Quercetin granules - video instructions, indications, description, reviews, dosage

Vitamin composition

The product contains vitamin D, which is a powerful natural immunomodulator and allows the body to quickly respond to negative external influences. With rapid adaptation, the risks of developing pathologies due to the penetration of infection into the body are reduced.

With sufficient vitamin D, innate and cellular immunity is enhanced. As the substance enters the body, antimicrobial peptides are activated, which destroy pathogenic organisms. Additionally, vitamin D supports respiratory function, which ensures the supply of nutrients to all organs and tissues.

Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant and effective immunostimulant. When it enters the body, the production of interferon proteins increases, which makes it possible to successfully fight pathogens. Additionally, the substance is characterized by an anti-inflammatory effect and protects cells from the aggressive effects of free radicals.

Indications for use

In medical practice, the use of quercetin is not uncommon. As a single drug, it is used to prevent erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract caused by prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

As a component of complex treatment, quercetin is taken for the following disorders:

• local radiation injuries and burns after exposure to x-ray and radiotherapy;
• oncology;
• diseases of the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue (stomatitis, glossitis), periodontal disease;
• hepatitis B virus;
• varicose veins of the deep veins of the lower extremities;
• systemic lupus erythematosus;
• purulent inflammation of soft tissues;
• ulcerative colitis;
• chronic glomerulonephritis;
• vegetative-vascular (neurocirculatory) dystonia;
• joint pathologies (arthritis);
• thrombophlebitis;
• coronary heart disease (CHD), angina pectoris, arrhythmia;
• seasonal allergies;
• neuroreflex manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis (lumbago, sensitivity disorders, circulatory failure in the extremities, extracardialgia).

Another indication for the use of quercetin is menopausal syndrome. The bioflavonoid reduces unpleasant symptoms, prevents disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system, restores the function of the sex glands, and relieves neurasthenia.

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Cancer

Preparations based on plant polyphenols are used both for the prevention and treatment of cancer, to reduce postoperative complications and when receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

Attention! Studies have shown that taking quercetin supplements slows the development of leukemia and breast tumors.

In 1996, the medical publication Clinical Cancer Research published the work of Dr. D. R. Ferri, proving the unique ability of quercetin to restore the functionality of cancer cells. Many experts also believe that the combination of polyphenol with the antitumor drug Dasatinib enhances the therapeutic effect of the latter and speeds up recovery or prolongs life.

Rheumatoid arthritis

With arthritis of any type, autoimmune reactions occur in the body, accompanied by inflammation of the joint tissues and severe discomfort. To alleviate the condition and restore performance, it is necessary to block the destructive process as quickly as possible, strengthen antioxidant protection, and accelerate the regeneration of affected cartilage. Quercetin copes with all this.

By blocking the action of histamine, the flavonoid prevents bone destruction, relieves pain, eliminates morning stiffness, and prolongs the period of performance.

Anti-aging

With age, the body becomes more and more senescent (old) cells. This natural phenomenon is associated with the influence of free radicals and a weakened immune system. Aged cells stop dividing and can mutate. And the accumulation of fibroblasts in the skin causes the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, it is so important to constantly reduce the number of senescent cells.

For this purpose, special senile drugs (Dasatinib) have been developed, but quercetin copes with the task of rejuvenation no worse. Thanks to its unique antioxidant properties, the flavonoid destroys aging cells, slows down vascular calcification, and improves the synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Studies on mice have shown the high efficiency of complex use of quercetin with Dasatinib. The combination of drugs not only removes spent cells, but also reduces the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases and speeds up recovery.

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Quercetin and inflammation

How inflammation occurs in the body

Poor health is associated with the opening of the intestinal barrier, as a result of which substances from foods and additives in them are recognized as an enemy molecule, that is, an antigen. In such a situation, the uncoordinated immune system begins to fight the intruder, which often leads to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6 or IFN-gamma. Inflammation accompanying heavy training seems to be a desirable phenomenon. This leads to tissue reconstruction and allows you to build strong muscles. However, you need to use a thick line to separate the inflammation that accompanies microdamage to the muscle mass. Occurred after intense training, from chronic inflammation, which is compared to a fire that cannot be extinguished. Inflammation occurs as a result of:

• injury,
• when tissue integrity is compromised due to a sudden unfavorable vector of force.
• poor oral hygiene, where caries, dry sockets and infections associated with root canal treatment cause inflammation.
• parasitic infections, sometimes difficult to diagnose due to the relatively low sensitivity of tests, increased permeability of the intestinal barrier, where elevated levels of markers such as zonulin or alpha-1 antitrypsin show the extent of the problem.

Considering a person's lifestyle, a common cause of chronic inflammation is a diet containing stimulants, coffee, alcohol and energy drinks. As well as anti-nutrient ingredients, including sugar, wheat, trans fatty acids. Lots of dietary lectins and dairy. Pharmacotherapy, including NSAIDs, antibiotics and PPIs, also negatively affects the microbiome. The resulting intestinal damage is corrected as soon as possible with appropriate dietary therapy, which consists of an elimination-rotation diet and intestinal barrier restoration therapy based on the use of antioxidants, probiotics, colostrum and short-chain fatty acids. Sometimes they start a natural anti-inflammatory that is safe for our intestinal ecosystem. This brings up the question of flavonoids such as quercetin. This compound is known for its beneficial effects.

Quercetin

Quercetin, classified as a flavone, is also a flavonoid compound often used in the pharmacy. Due to its structure, quercetin is considered an example of how spatial structure influences the biological properties of chemical compounds. The presence of a double bond in the C-ring enhances the antioxidant properties of quercetin. The presence of hydroxyl group at positions 3, 5, 7, 3', 4' not only affects the antioxidant properties but also increases the chelating ability of divalent metals. This is important because chelation of divalent cations, which catalyze oxidation periods, has the effect of inhibiting oxidative processes that are more likely to have a negative effect on cells.

Acting multidimensionally, quercetin enhances the protective actions occurring in the body, and the main one is the regulation of epigenetic changes in the body. This phenomenon refers to processes that occur as a result of changes in gene expression, rather than the genetic code itself. This means that epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors are associated with the development of tumor diseases. Following this example, substances that manipulate epigenetic changes have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing the likelihood of cancer and supporting the treatment period. Recent research suggests that methylation of several types of tumor suppressor genes has an impact on cancer status. Quercetin has demonstrated the ability to inhibit methylation of suppressor genes. Quercetin's ability to inhibit and demethylate these genes may help in both the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Another function of quercetin in cancer is that quercetin helps normal gene transcription. This is the first step towards expressing the P53 gene, also known as a tumor suppressor gene. The function of suppressor genes, as the name suggests, is to protect cells against malignancy and tumor formation. Disruptions of the tumor suppressor gene P53 appear to be a common abnormality observed in human cancers, as already demonstrated in 1998 by Bray, Schorl and Hall. Administration of quercetin to humans results in increased transcription of the P53 tumor suppressor gene through stimulation by a substance called Nrf2. Helps regulate gene expression. In addition, quercetin has antioxidant properties. Although small concentrations of this flavone have an antioxidant effect, higher concentrations cause pro-oxidant effects. These oxidative effects are beneficial because the effects appear to be anticancer—meaning they inhibit the growth of cancer. Excessive concentrations of quercetin lead to oxidation to substances called o-quinones. These compounds have demonstrated the effect of apoptosis, programmed death, of cancer cells, closely related to the reaction of tyrosinase with quercetin to form o-quinones, which then exhibit anti-cancer effects on melanoma cells, as confirmed in 2021 by Harris. Donovan, Branco, Limes and Bird.

Contraindications and precautions

The instructions for quercetin-based drugs indicate a number of conditions in which the flavonoid is prohibited:

• increased sensitivity to rutin;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• children under 16 years of age;
• arterial hypotension.

A safe dose of quercetin for pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, expectant mothers carrying a child should treat the supplement with caution and not take the product without a doctor’s permission. It is assumed that during gestation, quercetin is much safer to obtain from food than from dietary supplements.

Minor age is also a contraindication for use. Therefore, quercetin is not prescribed to children and adolescents. Pediatricians try not to take risks and not use insufficiently studied medicine when treating young patients.

Attention! Quercetin-based products often contain sugar, which can be dangerous for people with fructose intolerance and diabetes.

Another contraindication for use is hypertensive-hydrocephalic malabsorption syndrome.

Benefits of zinc

The complex contains zinc. This substance has a positive effect on all parts of the human immune system. When it enters the body, the production of interferons increases. These proteins are always the first to begin the fight against pathogenic microorganisms that have entered the body. Also:

• The spread of the virus inside the cell is slowed down.
• The likelihood of destruction of lymphocytes is minimized.
• The functions of the thymus, which is responsible for general immunity, are enhanced.

Zinc also has a positive effect on many other functions in the human body. In particular, the substance allows you to quickly cope with depression and stabilize the condition of nervous disorders. The substance is necessary to maintain vision function and strengthen the skeletal system.

With a lack of zinc in the body, the condition of the hair and skin deteriorates, wound healing slows down, taste deterioration and loss of smell are observed, and nausea and diarrhea often occur. Moderate zinc deficiency impairs the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract.

Release forms

There are several forms of release of the supplement. In Russian pharmacies it is easier to buy the drug in tablet form - Quertin. According to the instructions for use, it contains 40 mg of quercetin in each pill. The medicine is slowly absorbed, but produces a prolonged effect, is convenient to take and does not require dosage.

An interesting dosage form is granules. They can be dissolved in liquid and used internally and externally. The drug is taken only with water, dosing in grams or measuring with a teaspoon, which is not always convenient for the patient.

Quercetin capsules are most often produced by foreign manufacturers. The powder contained in the shell is protected from the influence of gastric juice, does not contain additional substances and rarely causes allergies or other side effects.

Dosage and regimen

Tablets based on a plant flavonoid are prescribed orally. The prophylactic dose of the drug, according to most scientists, is 300–400 mg per day.

Some experts recommend calculating the dose of quercetin based on the patient’s body weight - 25 mg per 1 kg. Thus, for an adult weighing 70 kg, 1,750 mg of the substance will be required daily. If there are medical indications, the portion of bioflavonoid is increased.

Table - Daily intake of quercetin for some pathologies

People living in contaminated areas are recommended to take 1 g of quercetin daily. Lower doses of the substance, from 50 to 400 mg per day, may be ineffective.

The optimal portions and duration of treatment depend on the clinical picture of the disease and are determined by the doctor. Typically, it takes a long time for the beneficial properties of quercetin to manifest itself - from 3 to 4 months.

Recommendations

Before using the mineral-vitamin complex, you should consult your doctor. The recommended dosage for children over 14 years of age and adults is 1 tablet per day. You need to combine the intake with food.

To obtain the desired result, the duration of taking the product must be at least 30 days. After a short break, on the doctor’s recommendation, the course can be repeated.

The drug can be stored for 3 years at a temperature below 25°C. Expired tablets should absolutely not be taken. Therefore, it is important to refer to the manufacturing date indicated on the packaging.

Side effects and allergies

The substance quercetin is an organic compound that rarely causes unpleasant symptoms. Adverse reactions were observed in laboratory animals; in cases with humans, such effects were not observed. However, their appearance cannot be ruled out.

Expected consequences:

• toxic effect on brain neurons;
• increased homocysteine ​​levels;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

But the following side effects occurred in people:

• nausea, loose stools;
• dry mouth;
• headache;
• increased blood pressure;
• tingling in fingertips.

Patients with intolerance to the substance are likely to develop allergies. The reaction is manifested by a skin rash, itching, swelling of the mucous membranes, and redness of the dermis.

Overdose

Bioflavonoid, obtained from food, even in large quantities, is not capable of harming the body. However, tablets taken in high doses (over 4 g daily) can cause an excess of the substance.

Attention! There is not yet enough information about the consequences of an overdose. It is assumed that the symptoms of excess manifest themselves in the form of adverse reactions, only in an intensified form.

To eliminate the consequences of an overdose, the drug is discontinued and symptomatic therapy is carried out. If you do not feel better, you should consult a doctor.

Reviews about the application

Official medicine is suspicious of quercetin-based supplements. For specialists, the main condition for safety and effectiveness is clinical trials, and these are not yet sufficient for the flavonoid. All studies confirming the beneficial properties of the substance were carried out mainly on laboratory animals.

Despite the limited evidence base, consumer reviews of the effects of quercetin are mostly positive.

Buyers note that the additive:

• quickly stops allergy symptoms;
• increases immunity;
• helps fight infections and viruses;
• relieves heaviness in the legs due to varicose veins;
• accelerates recovery after long-term illnesses and operations.

Quercetin is especially praised by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. About 80% of patients who took dietary supplements against the background of exacerbation of pathology noted a decrease in pain, improved mobility, and increased muscle tone. The use of bioflavonoid allows you to obtain long-term and stable remission, reduce the number of medications taken, stop bone deformation and protect the gastrointestinal tract from the harmful effects of NSAIDs.

But the medicine also has disadvantages: some patients did not notice the effect after using the supplement, other people were not satisfied with the high price. There are also those who complained of allergies and other unpleasant sensations.

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Peculiarities

Natural immunity under the influence of viruses and bacteria is constantly weakened. This leads to the development of various diseases that threaten health and sometimes life. In order to support the body during the spread of seasonal infections, it is necessary to take special vitamin and mineral complexes.

The remedy in tablets allows you to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of developing colds and viral diseases. It contains a number of highly active immunostimulating components. They are able to enhance each other's impact. This guarantees support for the body's natural defense reactions.

The ingredients of the vitamin-mineral complex have pronounced antioxidant properties. When used, it provides pronounced immune support, improves the functioning of the bronchi and lungs, and strengthens the walls of blood vessels. It is also recommended to purchase the product for use in the complex treatment of infectious diseases. With its use, it is possible to reduce the severity of the disease and speed up recovery.

Drug interactions

Quercetin, being a biologically active substance, can interact with some medications and dietary supplements:

• combined use with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs enhances their effect;
• combination with organic nitrates (Cardiket, Cardix, Monizide, Nitroglycerin, Pentacard, etc.) can cause a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
• simultaneous use of quercetin with drugs such as Cyclosporine, Verapamil and Tamoxifen improves the bioavailability of the latter;
• in combination with thrombolytics (Streptase, Thromboflux, Urokinase Medak, Actilyse), polyphenol enhances the effectiveness of antithrombotic therapy.

Attention! It is known that flavonoids work well in combination with each other - in the form in which they exist in nature. Therefore, it is useful to combine quercetin with resveratrol and green tea catechins.