Quercetin is a bioflavonoid antioxidant that provides the vibrant colors of many fruits and vegetables. Quercetin also has antihistamine effects and has been used in the management of allergies, asthma and hay fever. Its anti-inflammatory effects make quercetin useful for treating arthritis and other joint disorders. Consult your doctor for guidance and supervision in the safe and appropriate use of supplements.
Resilience
Quercetin, one of your body's most biologically active antioxidants, helps your joints and immune system to be resilient to the damaging oxidative effects of exercise, according to an article in the September 2006 issue of "Running Times" magazine. A large, well-funded research project by the United States Department of Defense looked into the effects of quercetin at ameliorating the effects of extreme exercise, which increases the body's production of free radicals to a rate faster than it can effectively manage, leading to joint damage, such as tendonitis.
Tissue Destruction
Quercetin supplementation inhibits joint tissue-destroying enzymes that affect a particular type of collagen found in joint structures, according to a study published in the March 2011 issue of the journal "Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics." In the tissue culture study, quercetin and several antioxidants, including resveratrol, reduced inflammation and tissue damage. Researchers concluded that these substances may be used to target some forms of joint damage.
Absorption
A study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Pharmaceutical Science" found that a preparation of quercetin in a form called microspheres improves absorption of the nutrient and increases its usefulness as a treatment for inflammatory arthritis. Researchers concluded that injection of the microspheres provided for a controlled release of quercetin into joint structures over a 30-day period or longer.
Dosage
Quercetin is water-soluble and has a half-life in your body of 12 to 19 hours, so for best results it is necessary to obtain this nutrient every day. Dosages of 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day are recommended by James Balch, M.D., in his book "Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health Without the Side Effects." Though there is no recommended daily amount established, doses of 1,000 milligrams per day can cause nausea, headaches, tingling in the hands and feet.
References
- "Running Times"; Sports Medicine, Cathy Fieseler; September 2006
- "Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics"; Involvement of H-Ras and Reactive Oxygen Species in Proinflammatory Cytokine-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression in Human Articular Chondrocytes; R.Ahmad, et al.; March 2011
- "Journal of Pharmaceutical Science"; Formulation and Evaluation of Quercetin Polycaprolactone Microspheres for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis; V. Natarajan, et al.; January 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Supplements with Similar Uses as: Bromelain;
- "Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health ..."; James Balch, et al.; 2008
