¤ Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid used for over 30 years to boost resistance to food and respiratory allergies. Its biological effects are mainly due to its antioxidant activity, to a specific synergy with vitamin C (quercetin and vitamin C protect and regenerate each other) and to wide-ranging, multi-functional anti-inflammatory activity. In particular:

• Quercetin inhbits the enzymes cyclo-oxygenase and lip-oxygenase, reducing production of the key inflammatory mediators: prostaglandins and leucotrienes. This wide range of activity means it can be recommended for all inflammation.
• Quercetin inhibits production of histamine by stabilizing basophils and mast cells. Histamine is directly responsible for most of the unpleasant symptoms associated with allergies (sneezing, itching, etc).
• Quercetin acts directly on the intestinal tract to reduce reactions to dietary allergens.
• A 5-year longitudinal study of 809 men (Lancet, 23 October 1993;342:1007-11) showed that higher consumption of quercetin cut global cardiovascular risk by a third. Quercetin has proven anti-thrombotic and vasodilatory effects.
• Risk of stroke is inversely proportional to quercetin intake: those with the lowest intake have a four times higher risk.
• Quercetin protects the kidneys from the recognized toxic effects of certain drugs (cyclosporine).
• Quercetin significantly improves symptoms of prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• The anti-cancer activity of quercetin has been the subject of several promising studies
• Quercetin's health benefits have long been tempered by its relatively poor intestinal absorption which meant a large number of capsules had to be taken every day in order to gain these benefits.

¤ An improved form of quercetin, isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-0-glucoside) has recently been isolated from the Brazilian plant Dimorphandra mollis. The glucoside part of the molecule means that its gastrointestinal absorption has been confirmed as being 5-20 times superior. Plasma peak levels are also reached six times faster than with traditional forms of quercetin.

Take one or two tablets a day, or as advised by your therapist.