Evidence supporting the use of: Quercetin
For the health condition: Blood Clots (prevention of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables, and it has attracted scientific interest for its potential cardiovascular benefits, including effects related to blood clot prevention. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that quercetin can inhibit platelet aggregation, a crucial step in the formation of blood clots. Quercetin is believed to exert antithrombotic effects by modulating platelet function, reducing oxidative stress, and influencing certain pathways involved in coagulation and inflammation. For instance, research has shown that quercetin can inhibit the activity of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, which play roles in platelet activation and clot formation.

However, the translation of these findings to clinical outcomes in humans remains limited. While a few small human studies suggest that quercetin supplementation may modestly reduce platelet aggregation markers, robust clinical trials demonstrating significant reductions in thrombotic events (such as heart attacks or strokes) are lacking. Therefore, the evidence supporting quercetin’s use specifically for blood clot prevention in humans is rated as low (2 out of 5), based mostly on preclinical research and limited preliminary clinical data. More large-scale, well-controlled human studies are needed to establish both efficacy and safety for this indication.

In summary, quercetin’s use for blood clot prevention has a scientific basis rooted in laboratory and animal research, but current evidence in humans is insufficient for strong recommendations.

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