Quercetin is one of the more popular agents with a broadly documented health-promoting effect. In addition to overall health improvement, it can also be successfully used in specific conditions that are quite difficult to deal with.
Over time, it has become one of the possible and effective options, and at the same time an answer to the question: How can you get your body back on track? Well… The lifestyle of modern people is not as healthy as some might think:
- low physical activity,
- highly processed food,
- stimulants (cigarettes, alcohol, even coffee or sweet carbonated / energy drinks),
- frequent use of NSAIDs, PPIs, antibiotics, painkillers, ill-considered use of contraceptives etc.,
- anti-nutritional compounds,
- excess sugar in the diet.
All of this can lead to a deterioration in health, physical and mental condition. In addition, it promotes the development of inflammation and disease entities with this underlying cause. Not to mention intestinal damage and digestive problems. Let us start, however, from the beginning…
What is quercetin and what can it help with?
Quercetin is classified among flavonoids with strong antioxidant activity. It can safely be said that it is currently one of the flavonoid compounds most commonly used in pharmaceutical practice worldwide. What is more, it can be attributed not only strong antioxidant potential, but also anti-inflammatory potential due to its ability to neutralize the so-called unpaired electron species.
Many experts also emphasize the role of quercetin in regulating gene expression processes that lead to epigenetic changes within the body. Therefore, it can be an excellent means of alleviating cancer diseases, which is confirmed by research.
It is also important that quercetin has a specific spatial structure, which makes its antioxidant action even stronger. More specifically, this refers to the characteristic double bond in the so-called C ring.
This same structure, more specifically the hydroxyl groups, enhances its properties in terms of the ability to chelate divalent metals, which often act as catalysts of oxidation.
Speaking generally, quercetin has a positive, multi-faceted effect on the condition of the body and the processes taking place inside it. Proper supplementation may help with:
- normalizing blood pressure,
- protecting the cardiovascular system,
- optimizing blood glucose levels,
- maintaining balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant processes,
- eliminating oxidative stress and its effects,
- keeping inflammation under control,
- maintaining good overall cardiometabolic health,
- anti-cancer therapies,
- limiting cell damage,
- limiting excessively progressing cellular aging processes.
Quercetin and its anti-cancer potential
Due to its strong antioxidant properties, it began to be seen as a compound that could support anti-cancer therapies.
Especially since the ability to reduce oxidative stress, eliminate harmful free radicals, and limit oxidation translates into lower inflammation, which is linked to the development of cancerous changes. Yes, quercetin is also attributed with strong anti-inflammatory activity. Studies confirm its potential in preventing and supporting the treatment / relief of prostate cancer, for example. The aforementioned ability to regulate epigenetic changes is of great importance. In this context, it has been shown that quercetin reduces the methylation of tumor suppressor genes associated with carcinogenesis and is able to lead to their demethylation. This in turn reinforces the belief that it is effective not only in fighting cancer, but also in preventive / prophylactic measures.
Scientists emphasize that quercetin has a positive effect on gene transcription. This is especially important in the context of cancer diseases, because appropriate supplementation with the mentioned compound leads to stimulation of Nrf2, which in turn results in better transcription of the p53 gene, called the tumor suppressor gene. The expression of this gene is regulated, and it is produced properly, which limits the process of cells transforming into cancer cells.
Quercetin has anti-inflammatory effects
As you know, inflammation underlies many metabolic problems, including issues with glycaemia and lifestyle diseases. Quercetin is characterized by strong anti-inflammatory properties, but it should also be remembered that they can arise as a result of excessive radical activity and disturbances in antioxidant and pro-oxidant processes. Therefore, its additional antioxidant potential, also driven by the characteristic spatial structure, is particularly important.
In 2017, a controlled, randomized study was conducted involving women struggling with RA, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis. The fact is that this condition has an inflammatory basis and effectively lowers quality of life and everyday comfort.
It is not only about mobility, but also about troublesome pain, which negatively affects both physical and mental condition. The symptoms of RA, usually treated mainly with steroids and painkillers, are most troublesome in the morning, after waking up.
Unfortunately, a relatively small number of specialists take other agents into account, including quercetin, which is safe and, according to research, effective. The study included 50 women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Some of them were given 500 mg of quercetin for 8 weeks. After this time, lower activity and expression levels of strongly pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-6) were observed compared to the placebo group.
As for the unpleasant symptoms strictly associated with RA, the women receiving quercetin confirmed alleviation of general symptoms, improved comfort, as well as a noticeable reduction in joint pain both in the morning, after waking up, and after physical activity.
Quercetin for glycaemic issues and diabetic complications
The compounds it contains have been identified as inhibitors of the enzyme aldose reductase, which in turn results in positive effects in the form of reduced development of some diabetic complications.
In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that quercetin taken regularly, in appropriate doses, may reduce glucose concentration in the postprandial period, as well as insulin levels. A rather well-known review article referred to randomized controlled trials involving people over 45 years of age diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were lower. At the same time, no significant changes in glycated hemoglobin were noted.
What about blood pressure? Quercetin can help stabilize it
Some sources cite a review of studies which indicated that in people with hypertension who were regularly given 500 mg of quercetin, a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed.
There are also studies that confirm that supplementation with the compound led to a reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome, but no noticeable effect was observed on diastolic blood pressure or markers of endothelial dysfunction (e.g. endothelin-1).
Even so, it is considered an agent worth considering in the context of hypertension. Nevertheless, there are indications that excessively high doses may disrupt heart rhythm and increase blood pressure, dilate blood vessels and reduce blood clotting. It is best to consult a specialist about its use (as in other disease cases, too).
What else can quercetin help with?
- improves cognitive functions and contributes to the protection of the nervous system,
- has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile,
- has antiviral effects,
- may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis,
- improves immunity,
- supports sports performance and physical exertion,
- supports gut barrier integrity,
- has a beneficial effect on hair condition.
