From Joseph Mercola, DO
Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonol that’s found in foods such as red grapes, green tea, elderflower and onions, to name a few. As the health benefits of the supplement become more widely known, the market has grown rapidly. According to market research, quercetin market was worth $261.12 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $406.58 million in 2027.
Quercetin has a wide range of benefits, which has made it useful for a variety of different health conditions. In the last two years, the antiviral benefits of quercetin have been the focus of many studies. However, there are other, lesser-known benefits, including the effects as a senolytic agent against senescence-mediated cancer growth.
It is perhaps most well-known as a strong antioxidant and antiviral. For example, Elderflower extract, which is rich in quercetin, is a traditional tonic used to boost immunity. In supplement form, quercetin has been used to prevent and treat the common cold and influenza.
According to Mount Sinai, quercetin should be used with caution as it may interact with certain antibiotics by reducing the effectiveness of the drug. It may also enhance the effect of some blood thinners, which can increase your risk of bleeding. In addition to these, it may interact with corticosteroids, digoxin, cyclosporine and fluoroquinolones.