The Benefits of Quercetin

More than likely you have not heard of Quercetin prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Quercetin has received much attention in scientific circles as well as media due to its healthy effects as an antiviral supplement and ingredient in many sources of plant foods.  Quercetin has a myriad of health benefits in addition to its ability to prevent viral infections. 


What is Quercetin?  

Quercetin is a flavonoid which is a metabolite made by plants.  Flavonoids such as Quercetin are important for plant pigments and coloration in plants.  So why has Quercetin become popular during the COVID-19 pandemic?  There was a Chinese study that showed Quercetin may be beneficial as an antiviral supplement.  They determined that Quercetin binds with the protein in corona virus which reduces the infection of cells.  There was also a study conducted in the Pathology and Diagnostics Department at a university in Italy that was able to determine that Quercetin is an antiviral, an anti-inflammatory, an antiallergic, and antimicrobial agent.  

Where can you find Quercetin?  

Quercetin is found in all types of plants (particularly in the outer layer or peel).  Good food sources include:

  • Peppers — yellow and green
  • Onions — red and white
  • Capers
  • Asparagus (cooked)
  • Cherries
  • Tomatoes
  • Red apples
  • Red grapes
  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Shallots
  • Red leaf lettuce
  • Berries (all types, such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • Tea (black and green)


What are the benefits of Quercetin?

Besides acting as an antiviral and antimicrobial Quercetin lowers inflammation as it is a powerful antioxidant. It is known to block the effects of free radicals.  Free radicals are nonfunctional extra electrons of oxygen that interfere with the health of every living cell.  By blocking the effect of free radicals, Quercetin can reduce damage to cell membranes, reduce cell mutations, maintain the health of our DNA and help reduce interleukin which are inflammatory genes. Inflammation is critical in most diseases so considering Quercetin can reduce inflammation, it has a variety of benefits in preventing a number of different disease, including:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Mental disorders
  • Heart disease
  • Cognitive decline 
  • Cancer
  • Viruses
  • Allergies

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Since Quercetin reduces inflammation there are conditions that can be improved with lower inflammation such as hardening of the arteries, gout, viral infections, diabetes, cataracts, allergies, chronic fatigue, inflammation of the prostate, the ovaries and bladder, can prevent stomach ulcers, skin disorders, etc.  It basically suppresses the body’s overreaction to any infection.  A viral infection such as resulting in COVID-19 creates an overreaction by the body’s immune system by producing what we call a cytokine storm.  Quercetin helps to reduce and suppress the overreaction of the body to a virus. 

There are some studies that indicate Quercetin prevents the LDL bad cholesterol from damaging the cell wall implicated in hypertension and found that individuals who eat more foods containing Quercetin have healthier cholesterol levels. 

Other Potential Benefits

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Improves endurance
  • Lowers risk of cancer
  • Stops tumor growth
  • Controls allergic reactions
  • Improves eczema
  • Protects the liver
  • Protects neurological health

Because Quercetin reduces inflammation, it also helps with pain.  Pain is inflammation.  Patients with arthritis and autoimmune disease can benefit from the intake of Quercetin both in the diet and in supplemental form. Quercetin can also help in improving your endurance.  There was a study performed at Georgia Tech which indicated Quercetin improved endurance which is especially beneficial for athletes who are trying to improve their performance.  There are even studies such as one done at Boston University that was able to show a connection between a diet high in Quercetin and a lower risk for developing cancer.  Some studies have also shown Quercetin can stop the process of tumor growth and alleviate the side effects of some cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation.  In addition, Quercetin has been known to be effective for controlling allergic reactions by interfering with the production of mast cells which are immune cells that are typically increased with allergic reactions.  Implication of this with skin problems is that by decreasing this inflammation patients with conditions like eczema can be helped and improved due to the reduction of histamine and other inflammatory indicates.  There is also research that shows Quercetin protects the liver from the injury caused by alcohol as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.  There is recent evidence that shows Quercetin can protect one against neurological health problems by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain which is often associated with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. 


Quercetin Supplements

In addition to dietary sources of Quercetin, how much should one take when supplementing with Quercetin to receive optimal benefit?  My recommendations to supplement with Quercetin include a daily dose of 500 mg twice daily. However, I have had several cases in patients that have benefited by taking lower doses at 250 mg twice daily.  Quercetin works especially well if supplemented with Bromelain which is an enzyme found in pineapple.  I have a specific formula I recommend that contains a combination of Bromelain with Quercetin and I only use and recommend pharmaceutical grade vitamin laboratories.  

Quercetin benefits include immune system support and Vitamin C and Zinc absorption. In these 500mg capsules, Quercetin supplements can also be used to support improved exercise performance, maintain healthy inflammation levels, support heart and blood vessels, and help maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

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Bromelain enhances the absorption of Quercetin and supports mucosal tissue health. Stinging nettles leaf balance hyper-immune response and N-acetyl cysteine clear the airways by promoting normal viscosity of mucus. This powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation.

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Until next time, stay healthy.


Steven M. Nickels, D.C., N.M.D., D.A.C.B.N., D.C.B.C.N.

Naturopathic and Chiropractic physician

Diplomate/Board certified in Clinical Nutrition


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