The Bioactivities of Quercetin - Professional Supplement Center

Widely found in fruits and vegetables, phenolic substances known as flavonoids have antioxidant properties shown to mitigate chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients that possess a wide spectrum of biological activities believed to influence dysregulated disease processes. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide thousands of polyphenols linked to prevention of cancer and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Plant foods are the richest source of bioflavonoids, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and other healthy compounds that exhibit activity against metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Technically considered a plant pigment and designated a subclass of flavonoids known as flavonols, quercetin is found largely in red and green plant foods, such as onions, cruciferous vegetables, berries, dark cherries, grapes, tea, apples and citrus fruits. It is known for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, anticholesterolemic and vasodilating effects. Quercetin is one of the most widely used essential nutrients known to help prevent metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Quercetin supports overall heath and healthy aging by inhibiting free radicals that damage cell membranes, negatively affect DNA and RNA, increase cell mutations and cause cell death, all underlying causes of age-related disease.

Inflammation: Inflammation has been found to be a risk in the development of many chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to trauma, injury or infection, low level chronic inflammation can result in autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a host of other often serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, cognitive impairment and cancer. Studies have shown that quercetin metabolites have potent biopotential to inhibit inflammatory mediators behind the development of chronic conditions.

Cardiovascular disease prevention: Diets rich in colorful fruits and vegetables play a major role in healthy cardiovascular function and disease prevention. Because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, flavonols protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and may also improve the health of blood vessel walls, lowering the risk of damaging atherosclerosis. Along with other flavonols, quercetin has proven effective in helping to prevent platelet aggregation, a known component of heart disease that contributes to blood clot formation and can lead to strokes.

Weight management: Quercetin specifically inhibits fat accumulation in mature fat cells and simultaneously triggers programmed cell destruction, or apoptosis, in existing fat cells. Quercetin inhibits fat cell production, helping to reduce fat deposits in the body. By minimizing the circulating markers of inflammation that are directly related to obesity, quercetin may also aid healthy weight management.

Allergic conditions: As an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, quercetin helps to naturally lower symptoms related to seasonal and food allergies. When an allergy or sensitivity is detected, the immune system releases chemicals known as histamines, resulting in sneezing, runny nose, coughing and other uncomfortable allergic symptoms. Quercetin helps to stabilize the release of histamine, reducing symptoms with little or no side effects. As well, quercetin has been known to exhibit antibacterial effects against numerous bacterial strains, particularly those that affect the gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and dermal systems.

Neurodegenerative disorders: Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are associated with neural-inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Researchers are studying the potential of flavonoids to modulate neuronal function to guard against age-related neurodegeneration. Due to their beneficial effects on the vascular system and their ability to inhibit oxidative damage, flavonoids may help to limit neurodegeneration, as well as support healthy cognitive performance.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality nutritional supplements in support of overall healthy function:

Quercetin 250 mg by Vital Nutrients: This potent bioflavonoid formula provides 250 mg of quercetin dihydrate per capsule in support of healthy respiratory and sinus function, as well as inflammatory balance. Free of gluten, wheat, milk, casein, soy, eggs and sugar.

Quercetin Ascorbate Powder by Designs for Health®: This professional powdered formula provides 500 mg of quercetin along with 500 mg of synergistic vitamin C in support of healthy inflammatory and allergic responses and free radical damage protection. Gluten free formulation.

Vitamin C with Quercetin by Integrative Therapeutics®: This synergistic formulation combines vitamin C, quercetin and citrus bioflavonoids for powerful antioxidant, immune, and respiratory support. Free of sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegan formulation.