Quercetin belongs to the family of antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that destroy free radicals that are associated with disease and illness. Quercetin can be found in foods such as red onions, apples, tea and red wine and is also available in supplement form. Research indicates that quercetin might improve blood pressure levels.
Blood Pressure
In research reported in the October 2009 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition," researchers from Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel in Germany studied the effects of quercetin supplementation on blood pressure in overweight subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that participants consuming 150 mg of quercetin for six weeks experienced decreases in systolic blood pressure, or the force when the heart muscle contracts, compared to those receiving a placebo.
Hypertension
In findings published in the November 2007 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition," scientists from the University of Utah explored the impact of quercetin on hypertensive patients. They discovered that hypertensive patients taking 730 mg of quercetin for 28 days experienced decreases in diastolic, or the force when the heart muscle is relaxing, and systolic blood pressure compared to those with a placebo.
Animal Study
Researchers from the University of Granada in Spain studied the impact of quercetin in hypertensive rats. They discovered that subjects consuming quercetin supplementation for five weeks experienced reductions in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, according to research reported in the May 2001 issue of the "British Journal of Pharmacology."
Side Effects and Interactions
Quercetin supplementation can cause several side effects, including headache and stomach upset. In addition, individuals with kidney disease and pregnant women should avoid quercetin use. Quercetin may also interact with certain medications such as blood thinners and chemotherapy medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking any quercetin supplements.
References
- PubMed: "British Journal of Nutrition"; Quercetin Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure and Plasama Oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein Concentrations in Overweight Subjects with a High Cardiovascular Disease Risk Phenotype: a Double-Blinded, Placebo Controlled Cross-Over Study; S. Egert et al.; October 2009
- The Journal of Nutrition: Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects; R.L. Edwards et al.; November 2007
- PubMed: "British Journal of Pharmacology"; Antihypertensive Effects of the Flavonoid Quercetin in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; J. Duarte et al.; May 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Quercetin
