J. Robert Hatherill
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 The cruciferous vegetables contain many cancer-slashing compounds, including the major class of compounds called glucosino-
HEALTH BENEFITS OF quercetin anticancer antioxidant anti-inflammatory antibacterial antiviral antifungal lessens allergies and asthma may protect from heart disease lates. Glucosinolates are a class of more than 100 sulfur-containing compounds, the vast majority of which show anticancer activity.
A number of protective glucosinolates are released from cruciferous vegetables when the plant is chopped or chewed (fresh crucifers are preferred). |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 The list of chemicals in this brew is rather imposing, but you should know what you get for going to all this trouble: caffeic acid, geraniin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhizin, lysine, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, rosmarinic acid, tannic acid, thymol, tocopherol and zinc.
Red pepper (Capiscum, various species). The hot ingredient in red pepper is capsaicin. Tests on laboratory animals show that capsaicin can prevent outbreaks of herpes in the eye for up to two months, and topical capsaicin preparations (Zostrix, Capzasin-P) are used to relieve the pain of shingles. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Several naturally occurring compounds, such as the flavonoid quercetin, also interact with these enzymes.
The formation of these inflammatory compounds can be decreased by reducing or eliminating the consumption of meat and dairy while increasing the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids by increasing the intake of coldwater fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and halibut. These fish are good sources of the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosa-hexanoic acid (DHA). Double-blind studies with fish oil supplements (2.7-5. |
| Mucosal mast cells III: effect of quercetin and other flavonoids on antigen-induced histamine secretion from rat intestinal mast cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1984; 73: 819-823
17. Kowolik MJ, Muir KF, MacPhee IT. Di-sodium cromoglycate in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration. Br Dent I 1978; 144: 384-389
18. Das SK, Gulati AK, Singh VP. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. |
| The anti-allergy drug di-sodium cromoglycate, a compound very similar in structure and function to quercetin, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of RAS, resulting in an increase in the number of ulcer-free days and in mild symptomatic relief.17 Other flavonoids (acacetin, apigenin, chrysin and phloretin, but not catechin, flavone, morin, rutin or taxifolin) have also shown anti-allergy effects similar to di-sodium cromoglycate.16
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
DGL may be effective in promoting healing of RAS. |
| This possibility is strengthened by the observation that sodium cromoglycate (at 200-400 mg four times/day), a compound similar to quercetin, confers excellent protection against the development of urticaria and angio-edema in response to ingested food allergens.88
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
The basic therapeutic approach is identification and control of all factors which promote the patient's urticarial response. Obtaining a careful and thorough history is paramount to this process. Acute urticaria is usually a self-limiting disease, especially once the eliciting agent has been removed or reduced. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Weak activity was observed for bilberry extract in the Ames mutagenicity test, probably due to the presence of quercetin.67
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None known.
SPECIAL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Very high doses should be used cautiously in patients with haemorrhagic disorders and in those taking warfarin or antiplatelet drugs.
INTERACTIONS
Possible interaction with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs, but only for very high doses.
USE IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
No adverse effects expected.
EFFECTS ON ABILITY TO DRIVE AND USE MACHINES
No adverse effects. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| Quercetin: 500 mg three times/day.
Botanical medicines
High-flavonoid-containing extracts, such as those from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), or green tea (Camellia sinensis), can be used according to the dosages in the corresponding chapter. Of these extracts, green tea extract or the liberal consumption of green tea as a beverage may be the most cost-effective. For a green tea extract with a 50% polyphenol content, the dosage would be 200-300 mg twice daily. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Flavonoids, including quercetin and apigenin glycosides; lignans.5
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Most of the published pharmacodynamic papers have examined the constituent aucubin or its aglycone. Aucubin is common to many other plants, including Plantago lanceolata. The fact that plants containing aucubin have been used in many different traditions for the treatment of respiratory catarrh suggests that aucubin may possess chemically relevant antimicrobial and anticatarrhal activities. |
| Flavonoids, including quercetin glycosides (hyperoside, rutin) and particularly flavone-C-glycosides (vitexin and related compounds).13
• Amines, catechols, carboxylic and triterpene acids.14
The flowers contain the highest levels of flavonoids and the leaves contain the highest levels of OPC. The main active constituents of Crataegus monogyna, with variations with plant part and time of harvest, are outlined above.15
The relative astringency of OPC increases with the degree of polymerization. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Week 5: Take 500 milligrams of quercetin three to four times daily. Then repeat the entire sequence.
HOMEOPATHY
¦ Psorinum is good for dermatitis behind the ears, scalp, and/or in the bends of the joints. Your skin is worse if you drink coffee, and you may have a tendency toward respiratory problems such as asthma. Take one dose of Psorinum 200x or 200c weekly for three weeks.
¦ Sulfur is good for skin that is dry and scaly, and feels worse with warmth and in springtime and damp weather. Take one dose of Sulfur 30x or 15c three times daily for up to three days. |
| Oleuropein, found in extracts from the olive leaf, has been shown to have antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.
• quercetin, found in red and yellow onions, red wine, broccoli, and tea, fights cancer, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This antioxidant bioflavonoid also lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of unwanted blood clots.
• Pectin, found in apples and other fruits, is a type of fiber that has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
• Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, has demonstrated cancer-preventing properties. |
| When the hives subside, continue taking 250 milligrams once or twice daily for one week.
¦ quercetin is a flavonoid that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is very useful in diminishing itchiness and swelling. Take 300 milligrams three to four times daily.
¦ Vitamin C is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Take 500 milligrams three to four times daily.
¦ Vitamin E promotes healing and helps to regulate the immune response. Choose a product containing mixed tocopherols and take 200 international units in the morning and again at bedtime. |
| If you take any of the B vitamins individually, you should also take a B-complex supplement at a different time of day.
¦ quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid that has properties similar to those of cromolyn sodium (see under Conventional Treatment in this entry). Take 30 to 100 milligrams twice a day.
¦ A deficiency of vitamin B12 has been linked to some types of asthmatic conditions. Taken in either oral or injectable form, this vitamin can help to prevent asthma attacks. Discuss this with a nutritionally oriented physician. |
| It also slows down the action of some cancer-causing substances. quercetin, present in red and yellow onions, helps reduce the inflammation associated with allergies, and also inhibits the action of several known carcinogens. Lycopene, found in red fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, red grapefruit, and red peppers, is another excellent antioxidant with anticar-cinogenic properties. The bioflavonoids work with vitamin C and enhance its antioxidant action as well. Unless you eat all of the foods mentioned here regularly, take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of mixed bioflavonoids three times daily. |
| Take an additional 500 milligrams of vitamin C with bioflavonoids three times daily. quercetin, a bioflavonoid, is helpful in healing the gastrointestinal tract, and helps reduce allergic reactions to food as well.
¦ Your intake of zinc from all supplements should total at least 30 to 50 milligrams daily. If the above supplements do not supply this amount, take additional zinc to make up the difference.
Note: Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. |
J. Robert Hatherill
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| As a rule the deeply red Cabernet Sauvignon has the highest quercetin content. Other dietary sources include broccoli, red grapes, shallots, and yellow squash.
Anticancer Benefits of the Onion Group
A number of qualities recommend the foods in this group. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| The combination of quercetin and cytosine arabinoside synergistically inhibits leukemic cell growth. Leukemia Research 1992; 16 (5): 497-503
28. Blumberg S, Clough G, Michel C. Effects of hydroxyethylrutosides on the permeability of frog mesenteric capillaries. Presentation to the AGM of the British Microcirculation Society, Dept of Physiology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, 1987
29. Burnand K. Effect of hydroxylethyl rutosides on transcutaneous P02 measurements. Proceedings of the Surgical Research Society Leeds, 1987
30. Wismer R. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
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 Its anti-inflammatory effects occur, it seems, because it inhibits the release of histamines from mast cells. quercetin, a polyphenol, works the same way. Consequently, astragalus could help relieve hay fever and other allergic conditions. I have personally used astragalus as a remedy for my seasonal hay fever.
In China, astragalus has also been used to treat cancer. It enhances the body's natural defense functions by stimulating the responsiveness of T cells.
Chamomile, Myrrh Gum, and Fenugreek
Three other botanicals I use are chamomile, myrrh gum, and fenugreek. |
| Take at least 100 to 300 mg of quercetin per day.
4. Take niacin, 250 to 500 mg, one or two times per day, after your largest meals. Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a known lipid-lowering agent and generally the most beneficial of these agents in reducing levels of LDL. Niacin is available in two preparations. One is quick-acting and the other slow-acting. It is the slow-acting group used in large doses that has caused serious liver damage in some individuals, and I would not recommend them because of the possibility of adverse side effects. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Flavonoids such as quercetin promote insulin secretion and are potent inhibitors of sorbitol accumulation. These effects may help explain the favorable effects of many botanical medicines traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes, many of which are high in flavonoids. The nutritional effects of flavonoids include: an increase in intracellular vitamin C levels, a decrease in the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, the prevention of easy bruising, and immune system support, all of which are of benefit to individuals with diabetes. |
| Quercetin may demonstrate similar benefits.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
A special licorice extract known as DGL may be effective in promoting healing of recurrent canker sores. In one study, twenty patients were instructed to use a solution of
DGL as a mouthwash (200 mg powdered DGL dissolved in 200 ml warm water) four times daily.18 Fifteen of the twenty (seventy-five percent) experienced fifty- to seventy-five-percent improvement within one day, followed by complete healing of the ulcers by the third day. DGL in tablet form may produce even better results. |
Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer, Assembly of Life Sciences National Research Council
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 Carcinogenicity examination of quercetin and rutin in ACI rats. Cancer Lett. 13:15-21.
Howe, G. R., J. D. Burch, A. B. Miller, G. M. Cook, J. Esteve, B. Morrison, P. Gordon, L. W. Chambers, G. Fodor, and G. M. Winsor. 1980. Tobacco use, occupation, coffee, various nutrients, and bladder cancer. J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 64:701-713.
Inai, K., Y. Aoki, and S. Tokuoka. 1979. Chronic toxicity of sodium nitrite in mice, with reference to its tumorigenicity. Gann 70:203-208.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. 1974. Thiourea. Pp. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Bromelain and quercetin are often taken in combination, and may be combined in special herbal and vitamin formulas designed to treat allergy symptoms and asthma.
Personal Advice
Learn to relax—Numerous studies have documented that stress can aggravate or even trigger asthma. Simple relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, and mediation can help to relieve stress. I also recommend taking extra B vitamins, which are nature's own stress busters.
Clean up your act! |
Ruth Winter
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 They include quercetin, present in onion skins, and anthocyanins, the major commercially used group. See Bioflavonoids. FLAVOR ENHANCERS • See Flavor Potentiators.
FLAVOR POTENTIATORS • One of the newest and fastest-growing categories of additives, potentiators enhance the total seasoning effect, generally without contributing any taste or odor of their own. They are effective in minute doses— in parts per million or even less. A potentiator produces no identifiable effect itself but exaggerates one's response. They alter the response of the sensory nerve endings on the tongue and in the nose. |
Stephanie Beling
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 And here's what the USDA says about quercetin: "antitumor-promotor; antiasthmatic; anticarcino-genic; antiplaque; cancer-preventive; capillariprotective."*
The flavonoids can be said to be cellular bodyguards; they work as sentries against the entire spectrum of illness known to us. They stand
*Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M. and Duke, James A. Phytochemeco Database-USDA-ARS-NGRL, Farmacy Query, Microsoft Internet Explorer. tlbid. on duty outside our cells, keeping disease at bay. |
| The phytochemical stew in legumes includes linoleic and phytic acids, indoles, quercetin, coumarins, saponins, phytosterols, and lig-nans. All are cancer-blockers and antioxidants. In addition, the intense concentration of saponins in legumes is decisive; beyond their anticancer properties, there is evidence that these phytochemicals are potent blood-thinners and cholesterol-reducers. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Onion contains quercetin, which may account for some of its pharmacological effect,65 but the major protective actions appear to be related to its content isothiocyanates (mustard oils).66 Although the mechanism of action is unknown, it has been suggested that it is due to inhibition of the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites.
Tylophora asthmatica
The leaves of Tylophora asthmatica have been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for treating asthma and other respiratory tract disorders. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
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| Bromelain also acts to help with the absorption of quercetin.
Aloe Vera—Aloe vera is a healing remedy that has been used in the healing of mucous membranes and skin. It is especially helpful in healing ulcers and has been effective in helping burns to heal.
Acidophilus—Acidophilus is a friendly bacterium in our bowel. It protects the colon from cancer and aids digestion of food. Acidophilus can be destroyed by caffeine, antibiotics, and birth control pills. It also reduces putrefaction in the bowel.
NUTRITIONALS
Coenzyme Q10—Coenzyme Q10 is helpful in enhancing energy. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Nutritional Supplements
• Vitamin A: 5,000 IU per day
• Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 400 IU per day
• Zinc: 45-60 mg per day (decrease to 30 mg when condition clears)
• Flavonoids (choose one): Quercetin: 400 mg 20 minutes before meals
Grape seed extract (95% procyanidolic oligomers content): 50-100 mg three times per day
Green tea extract (50% polyphenol content): 200-300 mg three times per day (NOTE: Liberal drinking of green tea can be used instead.)
Gingko biloba extract: 80 mg three times per day
EPA and DHA: 540 and 360 mg per day (or flaxseed oil: 1 tablespoon per day). |
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