This flavonoid is found in many plants and foods - does it have health benefits?
Quercetin, a plant pigment, is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It is sometimes used to improve various health conditions such asheart disease,cancer,arthritis, andCOVID-19.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support taking it for these conditions.
It is also available in supplement form.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
Supplement Facts
Research on the potential health benefits of quercetin is often tested with animal models.
Blood Pressure
A meta-analysis of human studies reviewed quercetin’s effects onblood pressurecontrol.
The analysis included seven trials consisting of 587 people overall.
The results showed that quercetin supplementation significantly reducedsystolic and diastolic blood pressure.
These reductions were mostly seen in people taking higher doses of 500 milligrams (mg) daily or greater.
No supplement should replace standard medical care.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Inflammation
Some studies suggest quercetin may help lower inflammation in the body.
Quercetin users took 500 milligrams (mg) daily.
Quercetin users also had reduced markers of inflammation compared to those in the placebo group.
Still, more evidence is needed to recommend quercetin for this purpose.
If you have pain, consult a healthcare provider for medical guidance.
What Are the Side Effects of Quercetin?
Consuming a supplement like quercetin may have potential side effects.
Quercetin is generally well-tolerated when used in appropriate amounts for short periods of time.
Some possible side effects of quercetin include:
Check with your healthcare provider before taking quercetin.
Remember to mention any medications you are taking and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Dosage: How Much Quercetin Should I Take?
What Happens If I Take Too Much Quercetin?
As a general guideline, never take more than the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
If you experience side effects of any kind, stop taking quercetin and call your healthcare provider.
This is not a complete list of drug and supplement interactions that may occur with quercetin.
How to Store Quercetin
Store quercetin according to manufacturer’s directions on the package.
Discard as indicated on the packaging.
More research is needed to determine the exact health benefits of quercetin.
Currently, there is not enough evidence to support its use for any health condition.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When taking quercetin in supplement form, choosing a product that also contains papain and/orbromelainmay be beneficial.
These plant-derived enzymes (fruit extracts) are shown to increase the intestine’s absorption of quercetin.
Supplements are classified as food products, not drugs.
Therefore, it is important to note thatthe FDA does not strictly regulate them in the United States.
Sometimes, a product may be contaminated or contain products other than those listed on the label.
Quercetin is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
2016;5(7).
2020;12(8):2306. doi:10.3390/nu12082306
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Quercetin.
Springer US; 2011:283-289. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-7756-4_38
