Quercetin is one of the most researched flavonoids with 15,000 research articles on PubMed. Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in red wine, grapefruit, onions, apples, black tea, and many other plants. Quercetin is also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Another benefit of Quercetin is that it can help stabilize mast cells.
What are mast cells?
Mast cells are an immune cell that is often associated with allergies and allergic reactions. Mast cells can secrete histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, interleukins as well as other molecules associated with allergic reactions.
What happens when mast cells break down?
If a mast cell binds to an allergen, such as dust mites or pet dander, they can break down very fast and release different molecules including:
- Histamines – this is why there are anti-histamines for allergies
- Luekotrienes – this is why there are leukotriene inhibitors for allergies
- Prostaglandins and interleukins – this is why anti-inflammatories are used for allergies
When mast cells ‘degranulate’ or break down this will result in an itchy and runny nose, scratchy throat and other symptoms associated with allergies.
Here are more natural ways to control allergies.
Are there any drugs that block mast cells from breaking down?
One over the counter product is cromolyn, however, it only works if used as nasal spray. Studies have shown that when this product is taken orally less than 1% is absorbed. This means if someone took 500 mg, about the size of a large capsule, they would only absorb 5 mg. This is why it is never taken by mouth.
Studies have consistently shown that quercetin is much more effective in stabilizing mast cells compared to cromolyn. In fact, a benefit of quercetin is that it can be taken before allergy symptoms to reduce the severity of allergic responses.
What about flavonoids and mast cells?
Flavonoids have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and mast cell blocking activities. More specifically, they block mast cell ‘degranulation’ which is the release of histamines, interleukins, leukotrienes and cytokines. Flavanoids have been shown to prevent the release of histamine and interleukins.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in red wine, grapefruit, onions, apples, black tea, and, in lesser amounts, in leafy green vegetables and beans.
What does of quercetin is used for allergies?
Doses of quercetin vary for allergies quercetin in the range of 100 to 200 mg is a reasonable start. High doses of quercetin should be avoided. A better approach would be to combine quercetin with other ingredients including stinging nettles and other flavonoids such as hesperidin and rutin to help reduce symptoms of allergies.
Here are more research articles about quercetin.
When should I take quercetin for allergies?
Quercetin works best if you take it on a regular basis. Over time this will help stabilize mast cells to prevent them from breaking down.
Take away message
If you are looking for a way to help reduce allergy symptoms you may want to consider trying quercetin. Quercetin is best if taken before symptoms appear on a regular basis in order to help stabilize your mast cells to prevent them from breaking down. In addition to quercetin don’t forget to try stinging nettles and other flavonoids such as hesperidin and rutin to help reduce symptoms of allergies.
Reference:
- J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2006 Jul-Dec;20(3-4):47-52.
- Molecules. 2016 May 12;21(5).
- PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e33805.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Allergies, Antioxidant, Ask the Pharmacist