Using Quercetin for Gout Relief

Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigment) that is responsible for the bright colors and medicinal properties of many plant. It is a common bioflavonoid that is consumed by people and is the most active bioflavonoid in laboratory testing. It is known to act as an antioxidant, have anti-inflammatory properties and also performs activities that can inhibit Xanthine oxidase (the enzyme that stimulates uric acid production), similar to the medication Allopurinol.

Quercetin for Gout Relief and Prevention

Quercetin's most recognized effect on gout is the relief and prevention of inflammation caused by gout attacks. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory activities allows it to stabilize the cells that release histamine in the body, thus preventing or inhibiting an inflammatory response. This often results in fewer or lessened effects of symptoms that are caused by a gout attack and inflammation.

Another one of Quercetin's notable properties has been displayed experimentally, where it provides the same action as allopurinol, a medication for gout. Quercetin has the curious ability to act as a natural inhibitor to Xanthine oxidase, thus helping to prevent the continued production of uric acid in the body.

Research Supporting Quercetin for Gout Relief and Prevention

Quercetin's popularity among arthritis patients stems from its anti-inflammatory effect, which has been confirmed in a 2012 study published by the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics. The study was performed on rats who had monosodium urate crystals injected into their joints and were treated with quercetin. The study showed the strong anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin.

A series of experimental findings observed Quercetin's activity as a natural xanthine oxidase inhibitor and found that the flavonoid would be extremely useful for the treatment of hyperuricemia, gout and other inflammatory disease states.

Quercetin Sources

As a dietary flavonoid, quercetin is easily available in colorful fruits and vegetables that include apples, black, green and buckwheat tea, red grapes, cherries, raspberries, citrus fruits, Ginkgo biloba and onions.

Quercetin can also be extracted from the aforementioned food sources and be made available in convenient pills. It is usually combined with other dietary ingredients to increase its efficacy.

Quercetin Supplement Variations

Quercetin is widely available as an encapsulated pill supplement. It is typically combined with other dietary ingredients to increase its efficacy. Papain and Bromelain are two common dietary ingredients that are known to increase the absorption of quercetin in the body and increase its efficacy. Bromelain is perhaps the best complementary ingredient due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its efficacy as an anti-gout natural supplement.

How to Use Quercetin for Gout Relief and Prevention

While quercetin is effective on its own, its efficacy is significantly increased when paired with dietary ingredients such as bromelain, another popular anti-gout supplement. Bromelain is known to increase the absorption of quercetin in the body, introducing the maximum amount of quercetin in the system that can combat uric acid levels. When considering quercetin for gout relief and prevention, try to find a supplement that has bromelain included in its mixture.

As a supplement, quercetin is generally very safe if taken in reasonable amounts and for a short period of time. A common dosage is at least 500 milligrams twice a day for a span of 12 weeks. Risks that may occur after the recommended amount of time is unknown. Quercetin should be taken in intervals with periodic breaks to prevent overconsumption.

Precautions

Similar to drugs and other dietary supplements, Quercetin can cause side-effects or may interact with other medications, drugs or supplements you are currently on. Before adding quercetin into your anti-gout regime, be sure to speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any risks concerning the use of this dietary supplement. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with kidney disease should avoid taking quercetin. Enough evidence is not available to confirm safe usage of quercetin for children.

Side Effects

Quercetin may cause headaches and an upset stomach if sensitive or upon initial consumption. If the headaches or stomach pain continue or worsen, discontinue use and contact your doctor. Additionally, in some patient cases it has been shown that a byproduct of quercetin can lead to a loss of protein function. In high dosages or in excessive consumption, quercetin has been linked to kidney damage or failure.

Interactions with other Medications

Quercetin can have moderate to severe interactions with the following medications:

  • Quinolone antibiotics. Quercetin competes with this medication and decreases its efficacy
  • CYP 3A4 substrate drugs. Quercetin is known to significantly inhibit the drug's activity and increase the side-effects of this medication

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you recommend a good supplement of Quercetin for gout?

Please refer to our gout supplements page.

Can Quercetin help against gout attacks or prevent from gout? I want to know if Quercetin will help future attacks or it can give pain relief at time of gout attack.

Quercetin can help prevent gout attacks by providing two functions:

  1. Anti-inflammatory activity: Quercetin inhibits the compounds that contribute to an inflammatory response, thus reducing the chances of the painful swelling and enlargement of joints from occurring.
  2. Natural xanthine oxidase inhibitor: Quercetin inhibits the enzyme that is responsible for the production of uric acid. By halting the uric acid production it helps to prevent the increase of uric acid levels in the blood and allows the body to more effectively rid of the current uric acid levels present.

Can I just eat a lot of food sources instead of buying any supplement?

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can be found in many color fruits and vegetables such as apples, black, green and buckwheat tea, red grapes, cherries, raspberries, citrus fruits, Ginkgo biloba and onions. Eating a balanced diet of the aforementioned foods can provide relief and aid in prevention of gout. If you find that you are unable to develop a meal plan that incorporates many of these foods you can find inspiration from our anti-gout recipe section or purchase a supplement that contains a quercetin complex that is complemented by bromelain.