Quercitin belongs to a group of polyphenolic substances known as flavonoids. Quercitin is a member of the class of flavonoids called flavones. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom in rinds and barks. Especially rich sources of Quercitin include onions, red wine, green tea and St. John’s wort.

Quercitin is typically found in plants as glycone or carbohydrate conjugates. Quercitin itself is an aglycone or aglucon. That is, Quercitin does not possess a carbohydrate moiety in its structure. Quercitin glycone conjugates include rutin and thujin. Rutin is also known as quercetin-3-rutinoside. Onions contain conjugates of Quercitin and the carbohydrate isorhamnetin, including quercetin-3, 4’-di-O-beta glucoside, isorhamnetin-4′-0-beta-glucoside and quercetin-4′-0-beta-glucoside. Quercitin itself is practically insoluble in water. The Quercitin carbohydrate conjugates have much greater water solubility than Quercitin. Thus, daily Quercitin conjugation with other carbohydrates in the body may produce mild diuretic effects. This benefit is especially in women’s fitness as monthly menses usually produces a short period of fluid retention (plumping out) and a diuretic would help maintain body definition.

How it works

Quercitin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, anticancer and gastroprotective activities. It appears also have anti-allergy activity and activity in preventing secondary complications of diabetes. Quercitin is an antioxidant and has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The putative anti-ulcer and gastroprotective effects of Quercitin may, in part, be accounted for by this activity. In vitro and animal studies have shown that Quercitin inhibits deregulation of inflammatory mast cells, basophiles and neutrophils. Thus, quercitin, a special bioflavonoid antioxidant shown to have an antihistamine effect in the body, makes it a natural putative for anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and immunomodulating activities.

Fitness/Training Applications

Quercitin adds synergy to the anti inflammatory effects of ALA, SerraPeptase, and Beta glucan reducing recovery time after hard workout. This helps keep airways open and clear of excess mucus. As discussed above, Quercitin is prescribed in Europe as a mild diuretic, and when used in training should prevent fluid accumulation in other body tissues.