Health effects of quercetin: From antioxidant to nutraceutical
- Posted: 16 June 2008
- Categroy: Health Research Archive
Quercetin, a member of the flavonoids family, is one of the most prominent dietary antioxidants.
Abstract no: Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 May 13;585(2-3):325-37. Epub 2008 Mar 18.
Quercetin, a member of the flavonoids family, is one of the most prominent dietary antioxidants. It is ubiquitously present in foods including vegetables, fruit, tea and wine as well as countless food supplements and is claimed to exert beneficial health effects. This includes protection against various diseases such as osteoporosis, certain forms of cancer, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases but also against aging. Especially the ability of quercetin to scavenge highly reactive species such as peroxynitrite and the hydroxyl radical is suggested to be involved in these possible beneficial health effects. Consequently, numerous studies have been performed to gather scientific evidence for these beneficial health claims as well as data regarding the exact mechanism of action and possible toxicological aspects of this flavonoid. The purpose of this review is to evaluate these studies in order to elucidate the possible health-beneficial effects of the antioxidant quercetin. Firstly, the definitions as well as the most important aspects regarding free radicals, antioxidants and oxidative stress will be discussed as background information. Subsequently, the mechanism by which quercetin may operate as an antioxidant (tested in vitro) as well as the potential use of this antioxidant as a nutraceutical (tested both ex vivo and in vivo) will be discussed.
16th June, 2008
Myth Buster
“Is drinking tea bad for the bones?”
No. In the past it was thought that certain constituents found in tea, such as caffeine and fluoride, may weaken the bones. However, recent research is now suggesting that drinking tea can actually... Learn more
UK Tea Consumption
165,000,000
Cups of tea drunk so far in the UK today 
RSS
SugarShaker