Evidence supporting the use of: Quercetin
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

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Synopsis

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

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in foods like onions, apples, and berries. Its use in Crohn’s disease is supported by preliminary scientific studies, primarily in cell and animal models, rather than by strong clinical evidence or traditional practice. Quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are relevant to Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that quercetin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-1β) and reduce oxidative stress in intestinal cells. Animal studies have shown that quercetin supplementation can reduce the severity of experimentally induced colitis, which shares some pathological features with Crohn’s disease. These effects suggest a potential role for quercetin in modulating inflammation and protecting the gut lining.

However, evidence from human clinical trials is very limited. Only a small number of pilot studies and case reports have investigated the effects of quercetin in people with inflammatory bowel disease, and these are not sufficient to establish clear benefits or safety. Quercetin is not widely used in traditional medicine specifically for Crohn’s disease. As such, while scientific interest exists, robust human data are lacking. The current level of evidence for quercetin’s use in Crohn’s disease rates as low to moderate (2 out of 5), and more rigorous clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended as a standard adjunct therapy.

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