What is quercetin? How does it work and when is it worth using?

Quercetin is a natural chemical compound that is gaining more and more popularity in the world of health and wellness. Known for its strong anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties, quercetin is present in many foods, such as onions, apples, berries and green tea. Its versatile action makes it the subject of intensive scientific research, and its supplementation is considered as a supporting agent in the treatment of various diseases, from allergies to heart disease. In the article, we will look at what exactly quercetin is, what properties it has and in what situations it can be beneficial.

Quercetin - what is it and how does it work?

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid, which is widely found in many plants, such as onions, apples, berries, grapes, green tea, broccoli, as well as in some herbs, such as St. John's wort or Ginkgoan Japanese. It is one of the most frequently studied flavonoids due to its wide spectrum of action and potential health benefits. In chemically, quercetin belongs to the group of polyphenols, which means that it has strong antioxidant properties. It works as a neutralizer of free radicals, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects, which makes it a valuable component of diet, especially in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases or cancer. One of the mechanisms of quercetin is its ability to inhibit enzymes responsible for the development of inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipooxygenase (LOX). Quercetin also inhibits the release of histamine, which makes it effective in relieving allergy symptoms. In addition, it affects the regulation of apoptosis processes, which can contribute to its potential anti -cancer properties.

Contraindications about quercetin - when is it worth being careful?

Despite numerous health benefits, quercetin is not recommended for everyone, and its supplementation should be thought out, especially in specific patients. First of all, people with kidney diseases should be careful because there are reports about the possibility of kidney damage with prolonged use of high doses of quercetin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult a doctor before starting supplementation, because there is a lack of sufficient research on the safety of the use of quercetin in these groups. People taking blood thinning drugs such as warfarin should be aware that quercetin can affect blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding.

The action of quercetin - how does it affect the body and health?

Quercetin has a multidirectional effect on the body, affecting various biological systems and processes. One of the most important effects of quercetin is its ability to modulate the immune response. Kwercetin has been shown to increase T lymphocyte activity, which play an important role in the fight against pathogens, as well as stimulate cytokines, which strengthens the body's immunity. Quercetin also acts as an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation, which makes it the subject of research in the context of prevention and support of cancer treatment. It inhibits angiogenesis, i.e. creating new blood vessels, which is important for the development of cancerous tumors. Thanks to this, quercetin can slow down the growth of cancer and limit their spread. Another important aspect of quercetin is its impact on the cardiovascular system. Quercetin helps reduce blood pressure, improves the function of vascular endothelium, and also reduces LDL cholesterol, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Thanks to these properties, quercetin is considered one of the natural ingredients supporting heart health.

The properties of quercetin - what benefits can it bring for the body?

Quercetin, thanks to its antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and antiviral properties, brings numerous health benefits. Here are some quercetin properties:

• Antioxidation - Quercetin neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells against oxidative stress, which is one of the main factors of the body's aging and the development of chronic diseases.
• Anti -inflammatory - By inhibiting enzymes responsible for the development of inflammation, quercetin helps to reduce chronic inflammation, which is important in the prevention of many diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular disease.
• Antiviral and antibacteriality - Quercetin has antiviral activity, especially against influenza viruses, and antibacterial, which makes it effective support in the fight against infections.
• Supporting heart health - Quercetin helps to reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function and reduce LDL cholesterol, which has a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system.
• Supporting immunity - Quercetin strengthens the immune system, increasing the activity of T lymphocytes and the production of cytokines, which helps the body to fight infections.

Quercetin - what can it be effective for? Review of applications and potential benefits

Quercetin is widely used in the prevention and therapy of many diseases, mainly due to its antioxidant, anti -inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. One of the main applications of quercetin is its role in relieving allergy symptoms. Thanks to the ability to inhibit histamine, quercetin can effectively reduce symptoms such as hay fever, urticaria or allergic asthma. Quercetin is also studied in terms of its role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Her ability to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and angiogenesis makes it a promising agent supporting the fight against cancer. Thanks to the influence on fat metabolism and sensitivity to insulin, quercetin can also be helpful in prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Studies suggest that quercetin can support fat reduction and improve the lipid profile, which is important in weight management and preventing metabolic complications. Quercetin is also effective in the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis or hypertension, thanks to its beneficial influence on blood pressure, endothelial function and lipid profile.

Summary

Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid with a wide spectrum of action that can bring numerous health benefits. From the support of the immune system, through anti -inflammatory and antiviral, to heart protection and the fight against cancer - quercetin is a component that is worth considering in a daily diet or as a supplement. However, like any substance, its use should be thought out, especially in the context of potential contraindications. It is always worth consulting a doctor or specialist before you decide to supplement it.

Sources

Kelly, G.S. "Quercetin. A Review of Clinical Applications." Alternative Medicine Review 2011; 16 (2): 172-194. Review of literature on the properties of quercetin and its potential clinical applications. Boots, A.W., Haenen, G.R., Bast, A. "Health Effects of Quercetin: From Antioxidant to Nutraceutical." European Journal of Pharmacology 2008; 585 (2-3): 325-337. An article discussing the antioxidant effects of quercetin and its impact on health. D'A Andrea, G. "Quercetin: A Flavonol with MultiFaceted Therapeutic Applications?" Fitotherapy 2015; 106: 256-271. An article presenting the multidirectional effect of quercetin on the body and potential health benefits. Cao, J., Han, Z., Tian, ​​L. "Anti-Inflammoratory and Anti-Oxidant Activities of Quercetin: A review." Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 2019; 67 (22): 6729-6745. Review of research on anti -inflammatory and antioxidant effects of quercetin. Manna, S., Banerjee, S., Saha, P., et al. "Quercetin Regulations Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Obesity-Inducer Skeletal Muscle Inflamation." Science Reports 2020; 10: 10165. A study on the effects of quercetin on mitochondrial dysfunction and muscle inflammation associated with obesity.