The medical term "heart disease" refers to several different types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and cardiovascular disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease. This damage results from plaque buildup in the arteries that feed oxygen and nutrients to the heart and can lead to heart attack, heart failure, angina and arrhythmias.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant pigment that belongs to a group called flavonoids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A subgroup of flavonoids are flavanols, which can also be split into a number of the subclasses. Quercetin belongs to a group of flavanols and is an antioxidant. Antioxidants work in the body by removing damaging particles known as free radicals. These free radicals damage cell membranes and DNA. As an antioxidant, quercetin can help neutralize free radicals and may reduce the damage due to disease.
Function
In a test tube and some population-based studies, scientists have found that quercetin may help reduce the risk of the buildup of plaque in the arteries that leads to heart attack or stroke. The protection appears to be against the damage LDL cholesterol causes. Most human studies have evaluated quercetin that was absorbed from the diet and not as a supplement. Some population studies also showed individuals who had diets that were high in flavanoids also had lower cholesterol levels. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are studies that show quercetin supplementation has been used to reduce blood pressure in people who have hypertension, a precursor to some forms of heart disease.
Mechanism of Action
Following administration of quercetin supplementation, the flavanol is absorbed from the gut, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The product is then found predominantly in the blood plasma with the maximum amount of concentration achieved within the first two-hour limit. This information suggests that the absorption in the intestines will rule out the need for intestinal bacteria to make it viable in the body. Quercetin is quickly eliminated from the body, usually half of the product eliminated within two hours through the renal system.
Sources
The flavanol quercetin is specifically found in tea, onions, apples and buckwheat, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. It is also available as a supplement from the health food store. No adverse effects have been reported using a single dose of up to 4 g, reports Sloan-Kettering physicians. Supplementation with quercetin is found in combination with other flavanoids, according to Drugs.com. Adverse reactions to these supplements have been associated with the concurrent compounds and not with quercetin.
