Quercetin Fights Viral Infections

Quercetin Fights Viral Infections

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that is found in leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and broccoli. It’s  a “plant pigment,” which is exactly why it’s found in deeply colored, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. According to numerous studies, quercetin plays an important role in fighting free radical damage, the effects of aging and inflammation. According to the Department of Pathology and Diagnostics at the University of Verona in Italy, quercetin and other flavonoids are anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic.

Research shows that anti-inflammatory quercetin can help manage a number of inflammatory health problems, including heart disease and blood vessel problems, allergies, infections, chronic fatigue, and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders like arthritis.

Quercetin plays a role in regulating the immune system’s response to stressors such as viruses through cell signaling pathways called kinases and phosphatases, two types of enzyme and membrane proteins needed for proper cellular function.

“In a study published in Viruses, researchers investigated the effects of quercetin as an anti-viral agent. The impact of viruses vary. They can cause seasonal outbreaks and, as we are now seeing with COVID-19, a worldwide pandemic that impacts public health as well as the economy. There have been several other highly impactful infections such as the H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 avian influenza, and H7N9 influenza virus, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary compromise, and death. Due to the lack of drugs to treat these infections, natural compounds are a major area of anti-viral research discovery.

This study demonstrated that quercetin can inhibit the entry of an influenza virus in the early stage of infection, measuring the inhibition in a cell infection model. This is the initial step of the viral replication cycle. In addition, the research team noted that this inhibitory effect was increased when the virus was pre-incubated with quercetin. It is also important to note that, being an antioxidant and having anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin helps reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lung inflammation in mice.

As a result, quercetin may be an inexpensive yet effective natural polyphenol, providing support during influenza infections. It may also be considered in combination with other therapeutics [such as zinc] and drugs, which could support their anti-viral effect while helping reduce drug dosage and side effects. Dosage range for quercetin supplementation is often between 200 mg to 1200 mg. Other compounds with potential anti-viral properties include vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, monolaurin, melatonin, resveratrol, and geranylgeraniol.  Vitamin C especifically has been shown to enhance the absorption of quercetin and increase plasma levels.”1

As we move into flu season and the virus appears to be on the rise around the country, I highly recommend that you take quercetin, vitamin C and zinc as a preventative. If you should catch the virus, and your immune system is strong, you should not get that sick.  I’ve had several relatives and friends now that have caught the virus, but it was such a mild case that they mostly just felt tired. They recovered very quickly.

Notes

1 https://blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1220

Ginger-Turmeric Wellness Shot

• 1 oz ginger juice
• 1 oz turmeric juice
• 1 oz lemon juice

Juice up all ingredients, stir and down your shot of prevention.