Quercetin / B5 Complex

Quercetin

One of several bioflavonoids (special nutrients found with vitamin C in fruit and vegetables) with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-histamine properties. Quercetin consistently demonstrates the greatest activity among the flavonoids studied, with many medicinal plants owing much of their activity to their high quercetin content. Quercetin may also help prevent nerve, eye and kidney damage in those with diabetes. In addition, bioflavonoids strengthen capillary walls, which helps prevent spider veins, varicose veins, and hemorrhages and bruises. They also work as an anti-inflammatory agent by deactivating enzymes that produce inflammation.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Quercetin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity via a number actions including inhibition of mast cell and basophil degranulation, neutrophil and monocyte lysosomal secretion, prostaglandin formation (particularly leukotrienes), and lipid peroxidation. A membrane stabilising effect is known to be part of the anti-inflammatory effect. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme hyaluronidase (responsible for the breakdown of collagen matrix of connective tissue and ground substance). Leukotrienes promote inflammation by causing vaso-constriction, which can then lead to vascular permeability and broncho-constriction.
ANTI-ARTHRITIC (OSTEO- AND RHEUMATOID) - In addition to reducing leukotrienes, quercetin is also beneficial due to its antioxidant properties helping stabilise collagen, the material needed by the body to maintain healthy joint tissue.
ANTI-ALLERGIC - Quercetin inhibits the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic /inflammatory mediators. The release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils is involved in cause of acute allergic and inflammatory responses. Mast cells are found in the highest concentrations in the body, in the blood vessels of the respiratory tract, conjunctiva, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin.
ANTIOXIDANT - Studies have demonstrated that quercetin prevents the production of free radicals. Many flavonoids have been shown to inhibit tumour formation, with quercetin the most effective in experimental models.
ANTI-VIRAL - Studies have shown that quercetin is further thought to decrease the infectiousness of certain RNA and DNA viruses, such as herpes, polio, and Epstein-Barr, by inhibiting their replication. Quercetin is likely to be of benefit in fighting the common cold.
GLYCEMIC DISORDERS - Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the enzyme aldose reductase. This enzyme appears to contribute to worsening of diabetic retinopathy. However, because the absorption of quercetin is limited, it is questionable whether supplementing with quercetin can produce the tissue levels that are needed to inhibit aldose reductase. Although human studies have not been done using quercetin to treat retinopathy, some doctors prescribe 400 mg of quercetin three times per day. In addition to its effect on aldose reductase, quercetin is also of value in diabetes for its ability to enhance insulin secretion and protect the pancreatic beta-cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, and for its inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Found in varying amounts in virtually every food, hence its name derived from the Greek pantos, meaning everywhere. It is a water-soluble vitamin that has a key role in the release of energy from foods. It is also needed for healthy growth and the production of antibodies to help fight infection.

ENERGY - This key B vitamin helps convert food into energy and is essential for the normal functioning of the adrenal glands, along with other benefits.
ANTI-STRESS - Vitamin B5 is the main nutrient for nourishing the adrenal glands. It is needed by the adrenal glands to make glucocorticoids, which may be the reason that B5 is known as the anti-stress vitamin.
MEMORY - It is vital for making the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is thought to boost memory.
ARTHRITIS - It has also been found to be helpful in arthritis. The adrenal glands are involved in the release of cortisone, the body's natural anti-inflammatory hormone. In this way, if the body requires cortisone (ie: in arthritis or allergic conditions), a well-nourished body that has all the necessary vitamin B5, will help to produce all the natural cortisone required. Supplements of vitamin B5 have been found to reduce pain and stiffness in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Deficiency Symptoms - Poor muscle co-ordination, muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, painful burning feet, depression, fatigue, weakness, headache and loss of appetite.

Bromelain

An enzyme found in the stem of the pineapple plant that helps digest food and absorb nutrients.

DIGESTION - Bromelain is helpful for general protein digestion. Bromelain has been shown to be a good substitute for trypsin or pepsin in cases of pancreatic insufficiency.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Bromelain reduces inflammation by stimulating the production of plasmin, which breaks down fibrin, a tough protein structure that walls off the area of inflammation. Plasmin also blocks the production of pro-inflammatory compounds. Bromelain has also been shown to inhibit the production of kinins, inflammatory chemicals that are involved in causing swelling, inflammation and pain. Bromelain offers good support in aiding healing of sports injuries such as bruising.
ANTIBIOTIC - Research has shown bromelain to be as effective as anti-biotics in treating a variety of infectious processes e.g. pneumonia, perirectal abscess, cutaneous staphylococcus infection, pyelonephritis, and bronchitis.
DYSMENORRHEA - Bromelain has been used successfully in treating painful menstruation. It appears to work by exerting a smooth muscle relaxant effect on the contracted cervix muscles.
CELLULAR PROTECTION - Bromelain has demonstrated good effects in research and it is believed to work by breaking down the tumour cell's fibrin coat, providing the immune system with more ready access to them.

Dosage

200-400 mg quercetin daily 20mins before meals (three times daily).

Potential applications

Quercetin appears to be indicated in virtually all inflammatory and allergic conditions, including hayfever, arthritis, lupus, food allergies, eczema and psoriasis.

Known contraindications

Although useful as an adjunct therapy, diabetes sufferers should consult their physician before using nutritional supplements such as quercetin.

Interactions

No known interactions with quercetin and drugs.

Use in conjunction with

Arthritis - Glucosamine, boswellia, antioxidants, flax seed oil
Allergies - Ester-C, antioxidants, echinacea, multi-vitamin/mineral
Inflammation - Antioxidants, grape seed/pycnogenol, flax seed oil, multi-vitamin/mineral
Hyperglycemia - Chromium complex, trace minerals, green food blend
Eczema - Hemp seed oil, multi-vitamin/mineral, zinc complex
Psoriasis - Milk thistle, flax seed oil, grape seed/pycnogenol, antioxidants

Note

Combinations of protein-digesting enzymes, like bromelain, when used with quercetin have been shown to potentiate each other's anti-inflammatory activity.

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