Quercetin = Virus Fighter?
By Frederick Cheng (RPh), and Christine Cheng (RPh)
Q: Someone told me that quercetin can kill the novel corona virus (COVID-19), is this true?
A: It is far too risky to rely on quercetin for that purpose at this point. Very few studies provide evidence in support of quercetin’s inhibitory action on Influenza A Viruses (ie. the viruses that cause the typical “flu”), let alone provide concrete evidence that it will have an effect on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. However, there is benefit in adding quercetin to your regular regiment during periods of high infection rates. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant that is meant to combat free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are harmful substances that come about as a result of oxidative stress due mainly to environment exposure (eg. UV radiation, cosmetics, drugs, foods/additives, workplace chemicals, pesticides) and infections. Quercetin is believed to effectively boost immunity, with a focus on respiratory health, hence regular dosing could assist in defense against respiratory infections in general. AOR’s “Quercetin” is a pure high dose formulation of quercetin. Alternatively, Sisu’s “ESTER-C SUPREME” contains buffered, esterified vitamin C, along with arabinogalactan (from larch bark), quercetin (from fruit), and multianthocyanidin (from berries and other fruits).
Quercetin in Canada is mostly derived from food sources, so they can generally be safely incorporated into your whole body health plan. Adequate dosing is crucial. Be sure to consult your physician for a professional diagnosis and consult your integrative pharmacists at Cloverdale Pharmasave and Pharmasave Steveston Village before self-medicating.
