Evidence supporting the use of: Quercetin
For the health condition: Circulation (to the brain)

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Synopsis

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

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is some scientific interest in its potential to support circulation, including blood flow to the brain, primarily due to its effects on endothelial function and its ability to modulate nitric oxide production, which can help with vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). A handful of in vitro and animal studies suggest that quercetin may improve endothelial health and reduce oxidative stress, factors associated with improved cerebral circulation. Human studies are limited, but one small clinical trial found that quercetin supplementation improved cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance in older adults, although the results are preliminary and require replication. Moreover, quercetin has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood viscosity in some studies, which could theoretically support better blood flow to the brain.

However, the overall clinical evidence supporting the use of quercetin specifically for improving cerebral circulation is weak and not widely established. Most available studies are preclinical, with only a few human trials, and these often have small sample sizes or short durations. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale for investigating quercetin in this context, the evidence base remains modest, and more robust, well-controlled clinical trials are needed before quercetin can be confidently recommended for supporting circulation to the brain.

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