Prostatitis is characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, which is found at the base of the bladder in men. There are four different forms of prostatitis, two of which are caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms may vary according to the type and severity of prostatitis, but commonly include difficult, frequent or painful urination and pain in the lower back or pelvis. Treatment may include medicines to help ease urination, painkillers or antibiotics. Quercetin might also play a role in the treatment of prostatitis, but do not use it in place of medicines your doctors prescribes. Get medical clearance before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has antioxidant effects, helping protect the body's cells from free-radical damage. It might also play a role in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and allergies. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that quercetin might help to reduce pain and symptoms of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. It may help to reduce inflammation by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals.
Administration
Quercetin is found in teas, apples and buckwheat and is also available as a dietary supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 500 mg twice daily is sometimes used to help fight pain and inflammation. It is sometimes combined with bromelain and papain, plant-based enzymes that have anti-inflammatory effects and also help to improve the absorption of quercetin. Before taking a quercetin supplement, get confirmation from you doctor that this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Quercetin has not been extensively studied as a prostatitis treatment. However, the results of an early clinical study published in the December 1999 issue of "Urology" shows that quercetin helps to alleviate chronic pelvic pain in men with chronic prostatitis. An article published in the July 2007 issue of "Current Urology Reports" notes that newer prostatitis therapies with some evidence of efficacy include phyotherapeutic compounds such as quercetin.
Safety Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that taking a quercetin supplement is generally safe, but adds that it might cause side effects, including headache and upset stomach. Taking more than 1 g daily may cause kidney damage. Avoid taking a quercetin supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep in mind that it might interact with other medicines, including anticoagulants, corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostatitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Quercetin
- "Urology"; Quercetin in Men With Category III Chronic Prostatitis: A Preliminary Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; D.A. Shoskes, et al.; December 1999
- "Current Urology Reports"; New Therapies in Chronic Prostatitis; N.B. Dhar, et al.; July 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Quercetin
