Quercetin is a natural bioflavanoid antioxidant found in apples, berries, vegetables, onions, grapefruits and wine. Considered a cousin of resveratrol, quercetin may also help to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and signs of aging. Quercetin has benefits independent of resveratrol, but it also has synergistic effects, as well as an impact on resveratrol directly, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
Bioavailability
Studies suggest that quercetin may improve the bioavailability of resveratrol by extending its effects in the body, according to the Life Extension Foundation. By extending the action of resveratrol, quercetin may allow more cells to utilize circulating molecules of the active antioxidant.
Antioxidant Synergy
Both quercetin and resveratrol are thought to decrease inflammation, hypertension, and combat obesity by preventing the oxidation of free radicals that contribute to these diseases. Taken together, they may also increase immune function, improve insulin response, and prevent the proliferation of certain cancers.
Increasing Fat Loss
Of particular interest is a study reported by Life Extension, combining resveratrol and quercetin to determine their effects on fat cells. In cultured cells, the combination of quercetin and resveratrol, blocked lipid (fat) accumulation by nearly 70 percent. Fat cell apoptosis or programmed cell death was increased by over 300 percent with the use of quercetin and resvertrol. The combination may improve this effect more than using resveratrol alone, due to the synergy provided by quercetin.
Extending Life
Acting alone, both quercetin and resveratrol have been shown to extend the life spans of laboratory organisms. Moreover, quercetin and resvertrol both mimic the effect of caloric restriction on cells. Caloric restriction has been shown to be the most effective means of life extension, based on animal research. Quercetin and resvertrol impact gene expression, essentially coding cells for longevity. More human clinical trials are needed, however, the combination of quercetin and resveratrol could offer a beneficial synergy for anti-aging science, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
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