‍Inthis article we want to introduce you to quercetin, a natural antihistamine that is found in many plants. Numerous studies have shown positive effects of quercetin on health and especially people with histamine intolerance can benefit from its mode of action.

What is quercetin?

Quercetin is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables.

As a bioflavonoid, it belongs to the group of secondary plant compounds. It is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Quercetin is the substance that gives color to plants and protects plants from mold, bacteria, viruses, sunlight and many other threats. It provides this protection because of its many life-sustaining properties, such as being a powerful antioxidant, a natural antihistamine, and an immune system booster, as well as being anti-viral. [1]


Where does quercetin occur?

Quercetin comes from various sources such as:

- Apples (low histamine)

- Buckwheat (often only tolerated in small quantities or not at all in histamine intolerance)

- Blueberries

- Raspberries (histamine liberators, best not to consume at all).

- Honey (low histamine)

- Cherries (low histamine)

- Cranberries (low histamine)

- red grapes (low histamine)

- Citrus fruits (histamine liberators, best not to consume at all).

- Onions (white onions are low in histamine and well tolerated, other varieties tolerated only in small amounts).

Anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties are some important biological functions attributed to quercetin [1].


Antihistamine effect

Quercetin is considered a natural antihistamine, but it has a wider spectrum of action than classical antihistamines. Many anti-allergy drugs have been developed to act like quercetin, but some of them are not as effective and have various side effects.

Quercetin has a particularly strong affinity for mast cells and basophils and, once attached, stabilizes the cell membrane to ultimately prevent cell degranulation and the release ofHistamine. [2,3] Additionally, it reduces inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil lysosomal enzyme secretion and leukotriene production. [2,4]

    
In one study, quercetin was shown to significantly inhibit antigen-stimulated histamine release from mast cells in the nasal mucosa of individuals with perennial allergic rhinitis. The effect of quercetin was almost twice that of sodium cromoglycate at the same concentration. [2]

 

Dosage and recommended intake of quercetin for histamine intolerance

 

Clinical studies have found that doses of up to 1000 milligrams per day for several months are well tolerated in healthy people. A daily amount of 200 to 400 milligrams is recommended for allergies, intolerances or hives. [1]

Taking it with a fatty meal is recommended because dietary fat enhances the absorption of quercetin in the intestine [6].

Supplements may also contain other substances, such as bromelain or vitamin C, that can help the body absorb quercetin more effectively.

 

What preparations with quercetin for histamine intolerance?

Here we show you a selection of quercetin preparations that we can recommend:

Quercetin plus C:

ZeinPharma®Quercetin:

References: 

[1] Kumar, R., Vijayalakshmi, S., & Nadanasabapathi,S. (2017). Health benefits of quercetin. Def Life Sci J, 2(2), 142-151.   

[2] Thornhill SM, Kelly AM. Natural treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis. Altern Med Rev2000; 5(5):448-54. [Full Text.]

[3] HelmsS, Miller A. Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Altern Med Rev 2006; 11(3):196-207.[ Full Text.]

[4] ParkH, Lee S, Son H, et al. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast cells. Arch Pharm Res 2008;31(10):1303-11.[Abstract.]

[5] SecorE, Carson W, Cloutier M, et al. Bromelain exerts anti-inflammatory effects inan ovalbumin-induced murine model of allergic airway disease. Cell Immunol2005; 237(1):68-75.

[6] Guo Y,Mah E, Davis CG, Jalili T, Ferruzzi MG, Chun OK, Bruno RS. Dietary fatincreases quercetin bioavailability in overweight adults. Mol Nutr Food Res.2013 May; 57(5):896-905. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201200619. epub2013 Jan 15. PMID: 23319447.





Note: The information on this page has been carefully researched, but we do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. If you have any health problems, please consult your doctor.
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Many people with histamine intolerance are initially unaware that many painkillers are also unsuitable. This is because most painkillers contain so-called histamine liberators. These are substances that release the body's own histamine in mast cells. DAO blockers can also be a problem. DAO is the main degradation pathway in the intestine. Certain substances can inhibit DAO enzyme activity by their presence in the body. As you can see, the question "Which painkillers for histamine intolerance?" is not so easy to answer. On the one hand, it is necessary to check whether the active ingredient is tolerated. On the other hand, it is also necessary to check which excipients are contained in the medication.