| Home > Site Map > Recommendations > B > Bioflavonoids |
| Bioflavonoids are color-producing pigments found in plants. Bioflavonoids are a special class of plant polyphenolic compounds. Being found in high concentrations in many fruits, they are responsible for much of the coloring in such things as grapes, blueberries, and cherries. Source Quercetin is widely distributed in plants including Oak trees (Quercus spp.), onions (Allium cepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis). Quercetin is obtained from buckwheat and citrus fruits. It is used in a variety of supplement products where the addition of flavonoids is warranted. Quercetin is available in powder and capsule form. Rutin was included as one of the original "vitamin P" substances because of its ability to decrease capillary permeability and fragility. Quercetin is the aglycone (non-carbohydrate portion of a glycoside molecule) of rutin, quercetrin and other glycoside flavonoids. Quercetin is an especially potent antioxidant with some anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin has been shown to have an effect on a variety of biological systems, mostly through its interaction with calmodulin, a calcium regulating protein. One of the best studied effects of quercetin is its ability to prevent mast cells from de-granulating during an allergic response. Through similar actions, quercetin can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Rutin aids in the elimination of cholesterol in the body and helps the body to develop greater elasticity of the arterial walls to promote greater blood flow and protect the capillaries. Hesperidin is a molecule which contains hesperetin (a bioflavonoid molecule) and the disacharide rutinose. Directions The recommended dose for Quercetin is 200-400mg tid. Since Quercetin's action is preventive, it's best taken daily a week or two before pollen season and continued throughout. Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings No toxicity has been identified with Quercetin. Quercetin should be avoided during pregnancy. |