Seasonal allergies are a true irritant that can be hard to find relief.
But research into natural compounds is startling to bring hope that one can get relief without the side effects of pharmaceutical products.
With the occurrence of the developing interest in natural compounds, quercetin has been shown to have a number of positive qualities.
Research has shown that it is anti-flammable, a natural antioxidant.
It is found in many foods that we eat every day, such as onions and black tea.
Research has also found that quercetin is a natural antihistamine.
Quercetin is related to a better-known bioflavonoid called rutin.
Quercetin is a member of the bioflavonoid family and this group is where you will find the coloring pigments that are broadly found in the plant kingdom.
The pigments give plants antioxidant protection when they experience environmental stresses.
When natural diets are considered, especially those using vegetables, sprouts, fruit and whole grains they are found to provide a sum of one to two grams per day of a wide range of bioflavonoids.
Quercetin is found in the blue-green algae and also in supplement form.
Inflammatory conditions exist with every allergy and case of asthma, and these problems are usually triggered by air or food borne pollens referred to as allergens.
When the allergens are absorbed by a person, they cause the B cells to produce tremendous numbers of the allergic antibody IgE.
IgE molecules are absorbed by the bloodstream and move through the tissues until they combine with the mast cells or basophils.
These are the main storage locations for histamine and serotonin.
Cell membranes become leaky after coming into contact with IgE and this causes the histamine and serotonin to flood the surrounding tissue.
This causes the released histamine and serotonin to produce the familiar allergic symptoms of a runny nose, blocked sinuses, itchy eyes, coughing and skin blotches.
Research is showing that quercetin can be a natural treatment for seasonal allergies as stated in the 2000 report from Alternative Medicine Review.
When research data on natural treatments was reviewed, the authors found early evidence that quercetin could reduce the release of histamines.
Because histamines act as chemical agents released by the immune system when exposed to allergens, they cause the allergic symptoms of watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.
Inflammation Research Journal published a study in 2007 indicating quercetin can help in treating allergies.
The article reported on an animal study in which mice receiving an enriched quercetin diet experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory chemicals connected directly to allergic diseases.
As a closing note, it has been found that quercetin becomes more effective when it is combined with bromelain.
The enzyme mixture in bromelain is found naturally in pineapples and it acts to improve absorption by the human digestive system, thus making quercetin more effective.
DISCLAIMER:I am not a Doctor and do not give medical advice; this is a news report and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional.