Does Quercetin Work?

Quercetin supplements are claimed to be beneficial for many conditions, but do they actually work? There are plenty of studies demonstrating possible benefits using laboratory animals or cells, but little research has been done in humans. Much more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of quercetin for the treatment of various conditions.

Does Quercetin Really Work?

As with most dietary supplements, quercetin is claimed to work for a variety of different uses. Does it really work, though? Quercetin is often claimed to work for conditions such as:
 

Quercetin and Scientific Evidence

There is no strong scientific evidence that the product really works for most of the uses listed in this article.
 Although there are plenty of studies demonstrating possible benefits using laboratory animals or cells, little research has been done in humans.
 
One study suggests that taking quercetin orally may decrease pain associated with chronic prostatitis not associated with a bacterial infection. Short-term studies suggest that taking quercetin does not seem to improve cholesterol levels, although longer studies would be necessary to confirm this finding.
 
One study suggests that a diet rich in flavonoids (such as quercetin) might reduce the risk of death from heart disease, at least in elderly men. However, this does not necessarily mean that taking quercetin supplements will provide the same benefit.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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