Monday, 28 June 2010 17:05

Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid used as a nutritional supplement. Previous studies show it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and it is being investigated for a wide range of potential health benefits. One such study has found that quercetin can suppress anaphylactic reactions to peanut proteins in peanut-sensitised rats.

Seven sensitized rats were treated with quercetin at a dose of 50 mg/kg(Body Weight)/mL Di-methyl-sulfoxide 5%/rat, over a period of four weeks. Subsequently, the rats were challenged and anaphylactic reaction parameters including variations in plasma histamine levels, vascular permeability, systemic anaphylaxis scores, and total serum Immunoglobulin E levels were measured. Results of these measurements were compared to the those from the control groups included in the study.

Reference: Shishehbor et al. 2010. Iranian Journal of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Vol 9(1) pp. 27-34.