Quercetin is not actually classed as a vitamin, but it has some very powerful beneficial properties. Quercetin is a member of the bioflavonoid group of nutrients, which are frequently found in nature together with vitamin C. Bioflavonoids, well known strengtheners of blood capillaries, are frequently used to prevent easy bruising.

The richest food sources of quercetin are onions, garlic, broccoli, squash and red grapes. Its benefits are as follows:

¨      Prevents bruising by strengthening blood capillaries.

¨      Anti‑inflammatory properties.

¨      Reduces symptoms of allergy.

Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is affected by a group of hormone‑like substances in the body called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins produce inflammation, while others reduce it. Quercetin reduces inflammation by inhibiting certain enzymes which produce some of the most powerful inflammatory prostaglandins. It also reduces inflammation because of its very powerful anti‑oxidant effects.

Quercetin may be a superior pain reliever compared to aspirin and other drugs. Unlike aspirin and other non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) it does not irritate the gastro‑intestinal wall, and unlike steroid drugs it does not cause the breakdown of cartilage and connective tissue.

Allergies

Its anti‑inflammatory effects have been known to help arthritis, allergies and headache. When an allergen or foreign substance enters the body, mast cells in the immune system release histamine. This causes inflammation by dilating arteries and increasing the permeability of arteries and veins. Quercetin inhibits the production of histamine by reducing two enzymes which cause histamine release.

Quercetin also reduces the production of a group of inflammatory substances called leukotrienes, which cause a number of the symptoms of allergy. Leukotriene synthesis is decreased through quercetin's effects on prostaglandins.

Disodium chromoglycate, a drug commonly used in the treatment of asthma and allergies, has a structural component identical to quercetin. This helps to explain the potentially powerful effects of quercetin in allergies of the respiratory tract.

It is often recommended that vitamin C and bromelain work well with quercetin for inflammatory conditions, and to strengthen blood vessel walls for those who bruise easily.

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