Quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster. To boost your immune system, get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, eat immune-boosting foods, and consider adding expert-backed supplements for immunity health to your routine.
Quercetin inhibits inflammatory pathways and reduces the buildup of senescent cells. Senescent cells are dysfunctional and contribute to biological aging.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin are well-known and have been proven in numerous studies. It can prevent developing inflammatory diseases like arthritis, psoriasis, and fibromyalgia. It also supports a healthy inflammatory response in the respiratory system and helps regulate histamine release, a major contributor to allergies.
A new study found that quercetin, especially when incorporated into phytosome, can suppress the NLRP3 inflammasome in human lung cells. The NLRP3 inflammasome triggers several proinflammatory mediators and contributes to the cytokine storm that causes life-threatening complications in patients with SARS-Cov-2. Quercetin elicited significant reductions in the synthesis of all inflammatory mediators, including NRF2, SIRT1, and TXNIP. It also inhibited NF-kB translocation and phosphorylation of IkappaB/Jun N-terminal kinase.
In addition, quercetin inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines in vitro, such as TNF-a and IL-6. It also promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. It has been shown to protect against hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and reduces the expression of adhesion molecules such as CD80.
The research on quercetin as a natural anti-inflammatory agent is promising. However, further clinical trials with larger participants and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings.
Strengthens the Immune System
What is quercetin phytosome? Quercetin is a type of flavonoid, and it’s found in a bunch of different fruits, veggies, nuts, and teas. It’s also available in supplement form, typically derived from the dried flowers and buds of Sophora japonica (the Japanese pagoda tree).
Research shows that quercetin strengthens our immune system in several ways. It acts as an immune enhancer and enhances the production of natural killer cells, which help remove cancerous and other pathogenic cells from the body. It can also inhibit inflammatory enzymes and decrease the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, two common inflammatory mediators.
Furthermore, research shows that quercetin can improve our gut microbiota’s function, improving our gastrointestinal tract’s health and function. It has also been shown to reduce allergic symptoms, thanks to its ability to boost the activity of certain white blood cells that help neutralize allergens.
Most importantly, recent studies have shown that quercetin can mitigate COVID-19 symptoms and complications. This is because of its senolytic effects, which can reduce the number of senescent cells and counteract the cytokine storm caused by the virus. This makes quercetin an excellent ingredient during the pandemic, particularly when formulated in the phytosome.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Aside from its effects on the immune system, quercetin has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in cells. This can help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. It also protects against aging and slows down the development of tumors.
Quercetin is a plant compound called a flavonoid that contributes to the natural colors of foods like onions, tomatoes, apples, berries, and tea. Flavonoids act as antioxidants, seeking out damaging free radicals and neutralizing them. Free radicals are linked to accelerated aging and chronic health conditions like inflammation, allergies, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory bowel syndrome.
It’s been found that quercetin inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages and human peripheral mononuclear cells. It suppresses the induction of TNF-a and nitric oxide synthase and inhibits Jun N-terminal kinase activation and NF-kB translocation. It also inhibits the secretion of IL-1 and IL-6.
In test tube cell studies, quercetin has been found to prevent COVID-19 virus-induced senescence (VIS) by blocking protease activity. This is important, as VIS plays a role in the cytokine storm that leads to the severity of symptoms seen in patients with COVID-19 infections.
Increases Vitamin C Levels
The antioxidant properties of quercetin help strengthen vitamin C levels in the body. Vitamin C is essential for many health functions, including strengthening capillary walls and maintaining healthy connective tissue. It also helps the body use iron and reduces inflammatory effects from cigarette smoke and pollutants.
While a little inflammation is necessary to fight infections and heal injuries, high levels of inflammation are linked to various health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, aging, and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Quercetin can prevent and treat autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress.
Studies have found that quercetin suppresses oxidative stress and reduces inflammatory responses in animals’ blood and atherosclerotic lesions. However, the results from human trials have been mixed and have yet to replicate the findings from animal experiments consistently. This is largely due to quercetin’s low solubility and absorption, making it difficult to utilize it effectively.
Studies have found that a quercetin-lecithin complex significantly increases the water solubility of quercetin, making it more easily absorbed in the body. The Quercetin Phytosome formulation contains food-grade lecithin that enhances the bioavailability of quercetin, resulting in a more effective nutrient than unformulated quercetin supplements.
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