Synopsis

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

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, has been investigated for its potential gastroprotective effects, including against ulcers. Preclinical studies, particularly in animal models, provide the primary evidence for quercetin’s use in supporting or treating ulcers. These studies indicate that quercetin may help reduce gastric ulcer formation by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. For example, research has demonstrated that quercetin can decrease gastric acid secretion, improve mucosal defense, and inhibit the activity of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium implicated in peptic ulcer disease. Quercetin also appears to enhance the production of gastric mucus, which serves as a protective barrier against the acidic environment of the stomach.

However, high-quality human clinical trials are limited. Most evidence comes from rodent studies where quercetin supplementation reduced ulcer indices and improved healing rates when ulcers were experimentally induced. Mechanistically, its antioxidative stress action seems to play a significant role, as oxidative damage is a factor in ulcer formation and persistence. Despite promising results in laboratory and animal research, the translation to clinical practice is still under investigation, and no official guidelines recommend quercetin as a first-line or adjunct therapy for ulcers. Thus, while there is a scientific basis for its potential benefits, the evidence in humans is currently limited, justifying a moderate-low evidence rating.

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