Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow or other tissues that make white blood cells. The different types of leukemia are classified by the type of cell that becomes malignant and by how quickly the disease progresses. Several research studies suggest that quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound, might help prevent leukemia or slow its growth if the disease is present. Discuss quercetin with your doctor to decide if it might help you.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Although the exact cause of leukemia is unknown, a number of risk factors have been identified. These factors differ depending on the type of leukemia, but in general your risk for the disease is increased if you smoke cigarettes, are exposed to radiation or to certain toxic chemicals or have a family history of certain forms of leukemia. Having had one of several viruses may also predispose you to leukemia. Although symptoms are also not the same for all types of leukemia, most forms cause fevers, night sweats, extreme fatigue, frequent bruising or unexplained weight loss.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural chemical found in many plants. It is a compound belonging to a class called flavonoids that are responsible for many of the colors seen in fruits, vegetables and flowers. Quercetin has several benefits for your health, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also block formation and growth of several types of cancer cells, including the malignant cells that cause leukemia.
Research on Leukemia
According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, people who consume lots of quercetin-rich foods tend to have lower rates of certain types of cancer. In addition, several laboratory studies suggest that quercetin may act to suppress leukemia. In one study on cells in culture published in 1995 in the journal "Blood," researchers found that leukemia cells exposed to quercetin produced a compound called transforming growth factor-beta that slows their growth. In another study with laboratory animals published in 2010 in "Phytotherapy Research," animals with leukemia that were fed quercetin showed increased immune system function and a decrease in the number of malignant cells. While these are promising findings, clinical trials with human leukemia patients are still needed.
Recommendations
Quercetin supplements are available as tablets or capsules from health food stores. Quercetin is generally considered safe, with only mild side effects such as headache or upset stomach in some people. Do not take quercetin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also interact with some medications such as blood thinners and steroids. Talk to your doctor about quercetin before adding it to your regimen.
References
- National Cancer Institute: What Is Leukemia?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Quercetin
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Quercetin
- "Blood"; Quercetin Inhibits the Growth of Leukemic Progenitors and Induces the Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1...; L. Larocca, et al.; June 1995
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Quercetin Inhibited Murine Leukemia WEHI-3 Cells In Vivo and Promoted Immune Response; C. Yu, et al.; February 2010
