Quercetin
Quercetin: Quercetin is a member of the flavonoid family, a diverse group of therapeutically active compounds found throughout the plant kingdom. There are many natural food sources of quercetin including onions, citrus fruits, black tea, broccoli and red apples just to name a few. The varied therapeutic benefits of quercetin include strengthening collagen, improving health of capillaries, strengthening connective tissue and reducing the production of various inflammatory agents. However its greatest beneficial use is as a natural antihistamine. Quercetin works by stabilizing mast cells, preventing them from degranulating and preventing the release of histamine. The suppression of histamine secretion from mast cells is one of quercetin’s most clinically studied and most important effects3-4.
As a natural antihistamine quercetin is often paired with bromelain. Bromelain increases the absorption of quercetin and provides additional benefits due to its own anti-inflammatory activity. Side effects from quercetin are rare but those taking anticoagulants should be cautious with this supplement because quercetin could intensify the effects of these medications. Extremely high doses may cause some physical discomfort such as headaches5. Dosages between 50 to 200 mg three times per day are the recommended norm.
Purity of Supplements
The quality and purity of supplements is an essential requirement for proper therapeutic results with minimal, if any, side effects. Be sure to choose a brand from a noted manufacturer that is pharmaceutical grade, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), compliant. Ensure that there are no fillers or additives (examples include: sugar, starch, gluten, yeast, silica) or any artificial colors or flavors of any kind. Be especially careful of a toxic metal, titanium dioxide, as an ingredient in the capsule or the product itself and avoid anything buffered with the amino acid aspartate6.
DISCLAIMER
Any and all information provided by Diana Brady, Natural Healing, LLC, its agents, employees, merchants, sponsors and third party content providers is for information purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, or other licensed health care professional. Always consult with your own health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements are based upon anecdotal evidence only and have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or health condition. Reliance on any materials presented shall be at your sole risk.
Reference:
The Combination of Bromelain and Quercetin in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) by Diana Brady, MA, CNC
The role of mast cells as both a pain and inflammation causing agent in IC is well known. Mast cells are part of the immune system and are found throughout the body within connective tissue and mucosal tissue. The bladder glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer is a mucosal tissue. When a mast cell is activated (degranulated) within this GAG layer the nearby nerve fiber sends pain messages to the brain at the same time that the mast cell explodes locally like a toxic bomb. Histamine, serotonin and other inflammation causing chemicals are released causing pain, inflammation, bladder spasms and tissue damage to the GAG layer. Classic symptoms of IC including frequency, burning and overall inflammation result.
With an intact GAG layer irritating agents, such as estrogen and potassium, are not allowed to penetrate and trigger mast cells. Since that is not the case in IC, preventing mast cells from degranulating and reducing inflammation become an important part of any treatment protocol. Fortunately there are two natural remedies, bromelain and quercetin, that provide therapeutic results both individually and especially in combination.
Bromelain
Bromelain: Bromelain is a natural source of protease enzymes, a unique enzyme that helps “digest” non needed protein structures such as inflamed tissue and scar tissue. Inflammation itself is a necessary function of the body bringing white blood cells and fibrin (scar tissue for repair) to the site of an injury for repair purposes. Once the injury is healed the body removes the excess debris naturally. However when inflammation becomes chronic as it is in IC, the build up of fibrin results in excessive scar tissue, reduced bladder capacity, chronic edema (swelling) with pain and inflammation spreading to other parts of the body. Bromelain, as an extract from pineapple stem, has been shown in many clinical studies to reduce inflammation and reduce or prevent the formation of scar tissue1.
Since bromelain is a protein digesting enzyme, if taken with food it will function as a digestive aid. It is necessary to take bromelain on an empty stomach to achieve the therapeutic benefits of inflammation and scar tissue reduction. There are some cautions associated with bromelain especially in very high doses. If there is a known allergy to pineapple, there may be an allergic reaction including a rash. Since bromelain’s activity serves to break up blood clotting associated with inflammation, some blood thinning does occur. Therefore bromelain use with blood thinning medications warrants medical overview2.
Bromelain, as an enzyme, has its strength measured in how quickly it can breakdown a protein. It is usually measured in milk clotting units (MCU) or gelatin dissolving units (GDU). Many researchers and practitioners recommend between 1800 and 2000 GDU’s taken 3 times per day on an empty stomach.