Quercetin for Gout

Flavonoids are phytonutrients used by plants for many important processes. Primarily they are the source of plant pigmentation producing blue, red/yellow color that attracts pollinator animals. They are used in UV filtration, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and as chemical messenger in many processes. They are mostly known for their anti-oxidant activity.

Quercetin is an example of a flavonoid found ubiquitously in a variety of plants. As a kind of bioflavonoid, it is mostly known for being an anti-oxidant which means in helps in fighting harmful free-radicals that can cause lots of diseases including cancer.

As a natural supplement for gout treatment it is widely hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been proven to mediate and inhibit production of pro-inflammatory compounds and has found therapeutic use in the other inflammatory conditions such as allergies. Allergic conditions in which Quercetin is found beneficial include asthma, hay fever, eczema and hives.

Recent studies also reveal Quercetin’s potential for inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase responsible for the production of uric acid. These reasons make Quercetin widely used as a supplement to gout treatments.

Natural sources of Quercetin include garlic, onions, leafy green vegetables, apples, berries, green and black tea, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and other vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica or commonly known as the mustard family. Aside from eating these Quercetin-rich foods, for therapeutic purposes and convenience it is advised that it be taken as a supplement. As a remedy for gout, it is recommended to take 250mg of Quercetin four times daily.

Quercetin in itself has no known adverse side effects but it has been proven to interact with antibiotics quinolone commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. Pregnant and lactating mothers are also not advised to take it. People with serious kidney and liver disease are also not advised to take Quercetin.

Examples of widely-used and well-rated (by gout patients) Quercetin supplements are avaliable below:

•  Source Naturals Activated Quercetin, Bioflavonoid Complex, 200 Tablets
•  Solaray – Quercetin (Non-Citrus), 500 mg, 90 capsules
•  Bluebonnet – Super Quercetin – 100 Veg Caps
•  Jarrow Formulas Quercetin 500mg, 200 Capsules
•  Solgar, Quercetin Complex, 100 Vegetable Capsules

 Quercetin and Bromelain  for Gout

Other studies also reveal that Quercetin works best when taken with Bromelain, another bioflavonoid found only in pineapples. There are also supplements  that combine both such as the following highly rated products listed below:

•  Solaray QBC Plex Quercetin, Bromelain – 120 Capsules
•  Now Foods Quercetin w/Bromelain (120 veggie caps) ( Multi-Pack)
•  Doctor’s Best Quercetin Bromelain — 180 Capsules
•  Vitacost Quercetin & Bromelain — 250 Capsules

Keep in mind that Quercetin is known to react with other medications. Get clearance from your doctor before using Quercetin or any combination of Quercetin and Bromelain.