The use of natural dietary supplements to aid in medical conditions is widespread. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder with no known causes and numerous symptoms that are rarely treatable with a single medication. For this reason, its sufferers often turn to treating individual symptoms. Using supplements such as quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine uses, may help minimize certain aspects of the disorder.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid, or plant pigment. Plant pigments give color to flowers, vegetables and fruit. Certain flavonoids, like quercetin, are also antioxidants. Antioxidants help minimize the damage caused by free radicals, destructive particles that may damage cells. While quercetin has some antioxidant properties inherently, it may not exhibit the same effects when taken as a supplement. Quercetin also has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It is thought to be useful in treating various conditions, but little evidence has been found to support this as of July 2011. Because of its antihistamine properties, quercetin may help reduce allergy symptoms and allergic reactions. It may also help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure as well as reduce the risk for cancer. However, these claims have yet to be fully substantiated by research.
Use of Quercetin
Quercetin can be obtained naturally through certain fruits and vegetables including apples, berries, grapes, citrus fruits and onions. As a supplement, quercetin is available in capsule or pill form. Quercetin supplements may be combined with bromelain, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. A general supplement dosage for an adult would be 100 to 250mg three times per day. Side effects of its use may include headache and stomachache. Additionally, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and persons with kidney disease should not use quercetin. Consuming more than 1g per day may result in kidney damage.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a disorder that affects between 10 and 20 percent of the population, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, with significantly more women than men affected. Symptoms include significant pain in the lower abdomen in the form of cramps or muscle spasms, bloating, changes in bowel movements resulting in diarrhea and/or constipation and relief after having a bowel movement. Treatments for the disorder include anti-inflammatory medications, fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, probiotic supplements, diet changes and herbal teas.
Using Quercetin for IBS
Research has shown that individuals with IBS are more likely to demonstrate sensitivities to particular foods, such as wheat and dairy, which may contribute to their symptoms. One study published in the "British Journal of Pharmacology" found that use of the flavonoid quercetin demonstrated that it may be useful in blocking histamine release and reducing inflammation, suggesting benefits in its use with inflammatory diseases like IBS. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may be useful in reducing intestinal inflammation in those with IBS. Additionally, food sensitivities similar to allergies may respond to the antihistamine properties, but the research evidence is limited on the use of this supplement. However, individuals who do use this supplement should do so with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Quercetin; Stephen Ehrlich, NMD; 2009
- "British Journal of Pharmacology"; Flavonols inhibit proinflammatory mediator release, intracellular calcium ion levels and protein kinase C theta phosphorylation in human mast cells; Kempuraj et al; 2005
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health; Is there an IBS-Food Allergy Connection?; Maureen Williams, N.D.; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Irritable bowel syndrome
