The Substack Modern Discontent recently posted an anthology series on the benefits of quercetin,1 including the finding that it works like hydroxychloroquine, a drug found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 when used early enough.
Part 12 begins with a brief overview of what quercetin is and its basic mechanisms of action. Quercetin is a flavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as onions and shallots, apples, broccoli, asparagus, green peppers, tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants and green tea.
The quercetin content in any given food is largely dependent on light exposure, though, so depending on the country youre in, different foods will top the list of most quercetin-rich. General mechanisms of action of this nutrient include:3
Antioxidant activity Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage from harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Quercetin acts as a free radical scavenger, and its activity can be further enhanced by vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory activity This is in part responsible for quercetins cardiovascular benefits
Inhibition of platelet aggregation
Anti-allergy activities (inhibits release of histamine and other allergic substances)
Immunomodulation
Anticancer activity
Antiviral activity Its been found to reduce replication of many viruses, including HIV, hepatitis C, enterovirus 71, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and SARS-CoV-2, by targeting the proteases in these viruses
Zinc ionophore Quercetin helps zinc enter your cells. Zinc, in turn, has potent antiviral activity
In Part 24 of the anthology, Modern Discontent reviews the evidence behind the recommendation to use quercetin against COVID-19 specifically. As mentioned, zinc has antiviral activity, and quercetin helps shuttle the zinc into the cell. But quercetin also has other mechanisms of action that make it useful in the fight against COVID-19.
Quercetin modulates NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune system component involved in the uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines that occurs during a cytokine storm.
For example, quercetin has been shown to:
Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2 receptor docking.5,6,7 Computational modeling studies have shown quercetin can bind to the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein interface, thereby inhibiting the two from binding together. By preventing viral attachment, it helps prevent viral entry into the cell. Commenting on one of these studies, Modern Discontent notes:8
Although [a] computer modeled study,9 the evidence here suggests that quercetins binding activity to ACE2 is comparable to other standard of care drugs used to treat SARS-CoV-2 (eg. Remdesivir, Lopinavir, Ritonavir).
Inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) production in macrophages.10 (TNF- is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation, secreted by activated macrophages, a type of immune cell that digests foreign substances, microbes and other harmful or damaged components.)
Inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines and histamine by modulating calcium influx into the cell.11
Stabilize mast cells and regulate the basic functional properties of immune cells, thereby allowing it to inhibit a huge panoply of molecular targets in the micromolar concentration range, either by down-regulating or suppressing many inflammatory pathways and functions.12
Act as a zinc ionophore, i.e., a compound that shuttles zinc into your cells.13 This is one of the mechanisms that can account for the effectiveness seen with hydroxychloroquine, which is also a zinc ionophore.
Boost interferon response to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting the expression of casein kinase II (CK2)14 CK2 is an enzyme that is fundamental to controlling homeostasis at the cellular level. There is evidence that it down-regulates the ability a cell has to generate Type 1 interferon when attacked by a virus.
It does this by inhibiting retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I),15 which has protein sensors that signal genetic expression of type 1 interferon by identifying the replication of RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Quercetin inhibits the expression of CK2, which slows the replication of RNA viruses.16
Interferons are a subset of cytokines discovered in 1957.17 These cells are often the initial defense against viruses. There are two types and three forms of interferon. Within Type 1 interferon, there are alpha and beta. Type 2 interferon has the gamma form.18
The different types are based on the function of the cytokine. Type 1 interferons help cells resist viruses. Type 2 aids in responding to infections and cancer growth. The name interferon came from the ability of Type 1 to interfere with the viruss ability to duplicate. A cell secretes interferons when a foreign substance, like a virus, is detected.
However, the interferon does not function by attacking the virus. Instead, it tells the infected cell and the cells that surround the infected cell to make proteins that stop viral replication. In a nutshell, quercetin stops CK2 from interfering with the action of Type 1 interferon so cells receive the signal to stop viral replication.
Modulate NLRP3 inflammasome, an immune system component involved in the uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines that occurs during a cytokine storm.19
Exert a direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV20,21,22 Quercetins general antiviral capacity has been attributed to three primary mechanisms of action:
Inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease.24
The Front Line Critical COVID-19 Care Alliance (FLCCC) early treatment protocol25 includes quercetin at a dose of 250 milligrams twice a day, in combination with 100 mg elemental zinc and 500 mg to 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice a day.
In Part 3,26 Modern Discontent reviews some of the clinical trials that have taken place. One COVID-19-specific study27 found that people who took zinc and two zinc ionophores quinine drops and quercetin had lower incidence of COVID-19 than the control group. Over the course of the study (20 weeks), only two of the 53 test subjects became symptomatic, compared to 12 of the 60 controls. As noted by Modern Discontent:28
Although this didnt test quercetin in isolation, the study does suggest that over-the-counter, easily accessible compounds may be extremely beneficial in fighting against COVID, especially when taken as a prophylactic.
In another trial,29 76 outpatients who tested positive but had only mild symptoms were given 1,000 mg of Quercetin Phytosome (quercetin in sunflower phospholipids that increase oral absorption 20-fold) per day for 30 days, in addition to standard care (analgesics, oral steroids and antibiotics). Another 76 patients were given standard of care only.
In the quercetin group, only 9.2% of participants went on to require hospitalization, compared to 28.9% of patients who received standard of care only. According to the authors:30
The results revealed a reduction in frequency and length of hospitalization, in need of non-invasive oxygen therapy, in progression to intensive care units and in number of deaths.
The results also confirmed the very high safety profile of quercetin and suggested possible anti-fatigue and pro-appetite properties. QP [Quercetin Phytosome] is a safe agent and in combination with standard care, when used in early stage of viral infection, could aid in improving the early symptoms and help in preventing the severity of COVID-19 disease.
Quercetin was also featured in two scientific reviews published in 2020.31 The first, published in in the Integrative Medicine journal in May 2020,32 highlighted quercetins promotion of SIRT2, which inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome.
The second review article,33 published in the June 19, 2020, issue of Frontiers in Immunology, highlighted quercetins usefulness as a COVID-19 treatment when used in conjunction with vitamin C. The vitamin C recycles oxidized quercetin, producing a synergistic effect. It also enhances quercetins antiviral capacity.
With the advent of processed foods, many important nutrients have been lost or minimized in the average persons diet. Quercetin, being found in fresh fruits, vegetables and berries is one of them. Unfortunately, while essential vitamins and minerals are generally recognized for their importance, antioxidants such as quercetin are often overlooked, and sometimes labeled as pseudoscience or fad supplements. As noted by Modern Discontent:
The great number of benefits that these compounds contribute to humans cannot be overstated An argument can be made that not only could quercetin prove beneficial to our health, but an absence of it may prove detrimental in the long term.
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, its the importance of basic health and a healthy immune function. In this regard, a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables can go a long way. Nutritional supplements also have their place, especially in situations like a pandemic.
In conclusion, Modern Discontent provides the following summary of findings:34
Theres evidence that quercetin may work similarly to hydroxychloroquine It seems that quercetin may operate as both an immunomodulator and a zinc ionophore. Its use as an over-the-counter anti-allergic supplement as well as its use for asthma indicates an ability to affect the production of histamine and cytokines
Quercetin has plenty of other benefits Antioxidants are some of the most well studied compounds, with possible anti-cancer, pro-heart and pro-organ benefits. Add on possible antimicrobial properties and it becomes hard to argue that this is nothing more than a possible fad supplement.
Although limited, there is some evidence that quercetin may be effective against SARS-CoV2 Computer models and in vitro studies suggest that ACE2 receptors and the main protease of SARS-CoV2 may be good target candidates for quercetin the limited number of studies suggest quercetin may be effective, especially if used early on or as a prophylactic.
Dietary quercetin is the main source of quercetin, and its deficiency in modern diets may be contributing to our health problems Quercetin is primarily sourced from colorful fruits, vegetables, teas all foods that many of our ancestors would have consumed on a regular basis Modern enriched foods tend to supplement with additional vitamins and minerals, but may miss out on other plant-derived compounds that have played a substantial role in our diet.
Similar to reduced sunlight exposure and the need for increased vitamin D supplementation, we may need to look at possible supplementation of overlooked compounds such as polyphenols. Sourcing these compounds from real foods would prove the most beneficial, but in groups of people who may not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, quercetin and polyphenol supplementation may be useful.
This would include people with alternative diets such as keto, who may avoid high carb fruits, and thus may be missing a key nutrient in their diets.
Quercetin has plenty of benefits, and for those who may be missing out on it in their diet they may want to look into sourcing it with supplementation. Dont take this as a prescription or recommendation, but an argument to examine your own health and see what you may be lacking
Source link
View original post here:
Quercetin An Alternative to Hydroxychloroquine, and More - newsconcerns
- Ed's Guide to Alternative Therapies - pathguy.com - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide | University ... - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Overview - December 26th, 2016 [December 26th, 2016]
- Alternative Medicine, Holistic Doctors,Naturopathic ... - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine Degrees - Excite Education - January 13th, 2017 [January 13th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine | Category | Fox News - January 13th, 2017 [January 13th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine - Disabled World - January 13th, 2017 [January 13th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine Degree, BS - Everglades University - January 23rd, 2017 [January 23rd, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine | Duke University Press - January 23rd, 2017 [January 23rd, 2017]
- Bill to rein in alternative medicine practitioners - Bangalore Mirror - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Peroxide ingestion, promoted by alternative medicine, can be deadly - Science Daily - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Can Peroxide Kill You? Yes, Say Doctors About This Alternative Medicine Favorite - Medical Daily - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Marijuana tension between clinical, alternative medicine ... - Washington Times - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Cannabis providers feel tension between clinical and alternative medicine - The Cannabist - February 11th, 2017 [February 11th, 2017]
- Happy Healthy YOU - Tillsonburg News - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Health dept cracks down on alternative meds containing sildenafil citrate - NYOOOZ - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine Conferences | Traditional Medicine ... - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- American Institute of Alternative Medicine - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Alternative medicine to treat pain and other ailments on the rise locally - Rockford Register Star - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine Career Information and Education ... - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Why is alternative medicine so popular? - Alternative ... - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Potential dangers and dubious history of alternative medicine are often unknown to its consumers - MinnPost - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- New form of alternative medicine comes to OU - Oaklandpostonline - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- OPENING THE PLAYBOOK ON ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE - Dope Magazine - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Ask a Doctor: Is there an alternative medicine treatment for constant pain? - Chattanooga Times Free Press - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Alternative medicine grows in Sugar Land, Missouri City - Community Impact Newspaper - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Medicine with a side of mysticism: Top hospitals promote unproven therapies - STAT - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Abstracts: Obamacare Replacement, Alternative Medicine, and More - Undark Magazine - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- For Prairie Village practitioner, personal experience led to interest in alternative medicine techniques - Shawnee Mission Post - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Financial Planning + Alternative Medicine - March 8, 2017 ... - KHTS Radio - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- Premier U.S. Hospitals Are Selling Unproven Alternative Therapies ... - KQED - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Speakers lay stress on use of alternative medicine - The Nation - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Top U.S. hospitals promote unproven medicine with a side of ... - PBS - PBS NewsHour - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Medical cannabis expert discusses treatment options - Herald-Whig - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- 5 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES EVERY MAN SHOULD BE AWARE OF - TORO Magazine - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- CID unearths fake 'council of alternative medicines' in Behala - Millennium Post - June 11th, 2017 [June 11th, 2017]
- Parents who believe in 'alternative nutrition' convicted after baby dies of malnutrition - Telegraph.co.uk - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Times of Malta Alternative medicine - Times of Malta - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Suffering from severe pain? Experts say THIS form of alternative medicine will work just as well as drugs! - Zee News - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- IBAM Indian Board of Alternative Medicine - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Alternative medicine practitioner charged with sexual assault in Burlington - Hamilton Spectator - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Mind, body, spirit: Nurse opens holistic health store to promote overall wellness - Muscatine Journal - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Four of the Most Misused Terms in Alternative Medicine - ATTN: - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- How cupping therapy helps athletes like Michael Phelps as an alternative medicine - Sport360 - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Calimesa Alternative Medicine - Weedmaps - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Homeopathic Health Center | Columbus, OH - (614) 890-2589 - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine | What Is Alternative Medicine? - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Quotes About Alternative Medicine (30 quotes) - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine That Doctors Recommend | Reader's Digest - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine Schools - Excite Education - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Medical journal takes aim at natural remedies - CBC.ca - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Healing through alternative medicine: Winona locals choose acupuncture as a cure - Winona Daily News - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Patrick Noel, DC: Restoring the body's innate ability to heal through chiropractic care - Colorado Springs Gazette - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Back Pain? Try Yoga - New York Times - June 29th, 2017 [June 29th, 2017]
- Jerusalem: Alternative healer indicted on rape charges - The Jerusalem Post - June 29th, 2017 [June 29th, 2017]
- Does Pink Himalayan Salt Have Any Health Benefits? - TIME - June 29th, 2017 [June 29th, 2017]
- Not all wellness is bullshit - Quartz - June 30th, 2017 [June 30th, 2017]
- What's happening in your body during acupuncture? - The Verge - July 1st, 2017 [July 1st, 2017]
- Natural and Alternative Medicine against Asthma - Radio Cadena Agramonte - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- Alternative Medicine in Halacha: a Review - Yeshiva World News - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- West Bengal's top doctors turn out fakes, arrests blow lid off thriving scam - Hindustan Times - July 5th, 2017 [July 5th, 2017]
- Sudbury woman chooses alternative treatments for stage 4 cancer - CBC.ca - July 6th, 2017 [July 6th, 2017]
- Unbiased reporting can help call time on pseudoscience - EuroScientist - July 6th, 2017 [July 6th, 2017]
- Holistic therapy for pets? Traditional vet care being blended with reiki, acupuncture - Georgia Voice - July 7th, 2017 [July 7th, 2017]
- A Memoir of Chronic Fatigue Illustrates the Failures of Medical Research - The New Yorker - July 10th, 2017 [July 10th, 2017]
- Valtrex after expiration - Alternative medicine for herpes simplex 2 - Van Wert independent - July 11th, 2017 [July 11th, 2017]
- Sacred Space, University of Miami partner to educate community on wellness - Miami Herald - July 11th, 2017 [July 11th, 2017]
- One FDA About-Face Doesn't Mean an Orphan-Drug Bonanza - Bloomberg - July 12th, 2017 [July 12th, 2017]
- 'Bridging medicine with nature' - The Torrington Telegram - July 12th, 2017 [July 12th, 2017]
- Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop posted a defense of its jade eggs for vaginas. It's a mess. - Vox - July 14th, 2017 [July 14th, 2017]
- Acupuncture for pets? Yes, it's a thing - MyDaytonDailyNews - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- Create Ministry for traditional, alternative medicine - Association - Graphic Online - July 17th, 2017 [July 17th, 2017]
- Native American healing class sparks unique health textbook - ABC News - July 18th, 2017 [July 18th, 2017]
- Rav Elyashiv ZTL On Alternative Medicine By R. Yair Hoffman - Yeshiva World News - July 18th, 2017 [July 18th, 2017]
- Expedite action on the passage of the alternative medicine bill ... - GhanaWeb - July 18th, 2017 [July 18th, 2017]
- Is Gwyneth Paltrow's pseudoscience winning? - Vox - July 20th, 2017 [July 20th, 2017]
- Salt Therapy Gaining Popularity in Alternative Medicine Circles - Newsmax - July 22nd, 2017 [July 22nd, 2017]
- Vargas: Weeding out herbal remedies for our pets - News Chief - July 24th, 2017 [July 24th, 2017]
- Patients recognise over-worked GPs as majority agree to see alternative medical professionals - Herald Series - July 25th, 2017 [July 25th, 2017]
- Cancer controversies and traditional medicines - Regina Leader-Post - July 26th, 2017 [July 26th, 2017]