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'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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Quercetin can have moderate to severe interactions with the following medications:
Please refer to our gout supplements page.
Quercetin can help prevent gout attacks by providing two functions:
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.