Evidence supporting the use of: Quercetin
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, and it has been investigated for its potential benefits in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The interest in quercetin for COPD is based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, which may address some of the underlying mechanisms of COPD pathology, such as oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the airways. Preclinical studies using animal models and cell cultures have shown that quercetin can reduce inflammatory markers, inhibit oxidative damage, and attenuate airway remodeling associated with COPD. For example, quercetin has been observed to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6) and reduce neutrophil infiltration in lung tissue.

However, clinical evidence in humans remains limited. A few small-scale pilot studies and early-phase clinical trials have evaluated quercetin supplementation in COPD patients, reporting some improvements in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, but these studies are generally underpowered and of short duration. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses conclude that, while the mechanistic rationale is strong and preliminary data are promising, robust high-quality human trials are lacking. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis for the use of quercetin in COPD, the evidence is not yet strong enough to support its widespread clinical use. More rigorous studies are needed to determine its safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing in COPD populations.

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