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Quercetin – The Allergy Sufferer's Friend?

Read time: 2-3 min
Quercetin – The Allergy Sufferer's Friend?

Quercetin – an Important Flavonoid

Quercetin, a flavonoid belonging to the flavonol subgroup, is a natural yellow pigment found in many plants. It has been shown to have several significant health benefits. Studies suggest that quercetin can help with common colds, allergy symptoms, and even lung issues. Quercetin is found in fruits, berries, and vegetables.

Four Studies on Quercetin

Common colds affect millions of people each year, damaging the mucous membranes in the sinuses, which can lead to inflammation, cause sinus pain, and increase the risk of secondary viral infections.

One study shows that quercetin reduces inflammation caused by common cold viruses and actively prevents the viruses from replicating. The researchers concluded that "quercetin may be beneficial in the treatment of viral sinus infections, especially for patients with lung problems." [1]

Another study confirms that common cold viruses cause significant damage to the lining of the airways and that quercetin helps to stop this process. [2]

Yet another study highlights quercetin's ability to reduce allergic reactions and inflammatory processes in the airways, supporting earlier findings that quercetin helps stabilize mast cells involved in histamine production. [3]

An animal study indicates that quercetin may help improve lung function by preventing certain processes that destroy lung tissue. [4]

These studies suggest that quercetin could be a powerful natural substance for various respiratory issues and diseases. As mentioned, quercetin is found in fruits, berries, and vegetables. One study found that organically grown tomatoes contain 79% more quercetin than conventionally grown tomatoes. [5]

What Is Quercetin Good For?

Quercetin is effective for common colds, allergy symptoms, and lung issues, according to the studies mentioned below.

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Scientific references and sources

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[1] S. Ganesan, PhD, S. Chattoraj, MS, A.N. Faris, Ph.D., A. Comstock, BS, U. Sajjan, PhD  Quercetin Inhibits rhinovirus replication and subsequent chemokine response in Airway Epithelial Cells. American Thoracic Society May 2010 annual International Conference in New Orleans  2010 May, Ann Arbor, MI/US

[2] A. Comstock, BS, A. Chattoraj, MS, S. Ganesan, PhD, S. Chattoraj, MS, M.B. Hershenson, MD, U. Sajjan, PhD  Oxidative Stress Induced by Rhinovirus Plays a Role in the Disruption of Epithelial Barrier Function American Thoracic Society May 2010 annual International Conference in New Orleans.  2010 May, Ann Arbor, MI/US

[3] E.A. Cruz, MS, S. Reuter, PhD, H. Martin, MS, N. Dehzad, MS, M.F. Muzitano, PhD, S.S. COSTA, PhD, B.R. Bergmann, PhD, R. Buhl, MD, C. Taube, MD THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF THE PLANT KALANCHOE PINNATA AND ITS FLAVONOID QUERCETIN ON AIRWAY HYPERRESPOSIVENESS American Thoracic Society May 2010 annual International Conference in New Orleans  2010 May, Rio De Janeiro/BR

[4] S. Ganesan, PhD, A. Comstock, BS, S. Chattoraj, MS, M.B. Hershenson, MD, U. Sajjan, PhD  Quercetin Improves Lung Inflammation in Mouse Model of COPD by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinases American Thoracic Society May 2010 annual International Conference in New Orleans  2010 May, Ann Arbor, MI/US

[5] A. E. Mitchell, Y. J. Hong, E. Koh, D. M. Barrett, D. E. Bryant, R. F. Denison and S. Kaffka (2007). "Ten-Year Comparison of the Influence of Organic and Conventional Crop Management Practices on the Content of Flavonoids in Tomatoes". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 55 (15): 6154–9. doi:10.1021/jf070344. PMID 17590007.