COVID-19 is back in the news, as there have been an increasing number of cases in San Diego and other areas. I have been seeing patients lately with this viral condition. Common symptoms of the current variant include fatigue, fever, body aches, sore throat, headache, and sinusitis.
Quercetin belongs to a family of plant pigments known as flavonoids. In plants, flavonoids carry out essential functions such as attracting pollinating insects, combating environmental stresses, and regulating cell growth.
Since the 1990s, there has been a growing interest in dietary flavonoids due to their disease-protective contributions to plant foods. Flavonoids in foods have exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and nerve-protective properties. Also, flavonoids have beneficial effects on cell-cell communication, which plays a critical role in health.
Quercetin is found in everyday foods such as onions, apples, berries, teas, kale, broccoli, scallions, and other plant foods. This phytonutrient has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, immune balancing, and antiviral properties.
Published data demonstrates that quercetin reduces the ability of SARS-CoV2 to bind with our cells. A prospective randomized, controlled, open-label, 30-day study in people who were COVID-19 positive with symptoms of COVID-19. The patients were early in the course of the COVID-19 disease. Half the participants received standard care (pain and fever reducers, oral steroids, and antibiotics). At the same time, the second group had the same standard of care along with supplementation of Quercetin Phytosome® at a dose of 500 mg twice daily. Researchers found a reduction in the frequency and length of hospitalization, the need for non-invasive oxygen therapy, progression to intensive care units, and the number of deaths. Also, quercetin supplementation had anti-fatigue and appetite improvement properties. Quercetin Phytosome® had a very high safety profile in this study.
A second study involving Quercetin Phytosome® involved people with COVID-19 who were not hospitalized. Half of the 42 patients received standard medical care, while the other 21 received standard of care plus Quercetin Phytosome® supplementation. The quercetin was supplemented at 500 mg three times daily for seven days, followed by 500 mg twice daily for another seven days. Compared to the standard of care only, those receiving quercetin had a shortened time from a positive C test to a negative and reduced symptom severity. Most patients receiving quercetin reported improvement in fatigue and appetite.
Additional research has shown that quercetin reduces the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in athletes undergoing strenuous exercise. Studies also show that it reduces markers of inflammation and oxidative stress that occur with exercise.
We carry the same Quercetin Phytosome developed in Italy and used in published COVID-19 studies. This technologically advanced Quercetin is up to 20 times better absorbed than regular Quercetin. For preventative purposes, I have patients take one capsule twice daily. When patients have COVID-19, I have them increase the dose to two capsules twice daily.
*You should seek medical advice and supervision for any infection.*
Find out more about Quercetin Wellness & our other supplements at DrStengler.com
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Agrawal PK, Agrawal C, Blunden G. Quercetin: Antiviral Significance and Possible COVID-19 Integrative Considerations. Natural Product Communications. December 2020. doi:10.1177/1934578X20976293
Di Pierro F, Derosa G, Maffioli P, Bertuccioli A, Togni S, Riva A, Allegrini P, Khan A, Khan S, Khan BA, Altaf N, Zahid M, Ujjan ID, Nigar R, Khushk MI, Phulpoto M, Lail A, Devrajani BR, Ahmed S. Possible Therapeutic Effects of Adjuvant Quercetin Supplementation Against Early-Stage COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, and Open-Label Study. Int J Gen Med. 2021;14:2359-2366 https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S318720
Di Pierro F, Iqtadar S, Khan A, Ullah Mumtaz S, Masud Chaudhry M, Bertuccioli A, Derosa G, Maffioli P, Togni S, Riva A, Allegrini P, Khan S. Potential Clinical Benefits of Quercetin in the Early Stage of COVID-19: Results of a Second, Pilot, Randomized, Controlled and Open-Label Clinical Trial. Int J Gen Med. 2021;14:2807-2816 https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S318949
Riva A, Ronchi M, Petrangolini G, Bosisio S, Allegrini P. Improved Oral Absorption of Quercetin from Quercetin Phytosome®, a New Delivery System Based on Food Grade Lecithin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2019;44(2):169-177. doi:10.1007/s13318-018-0517-3
