Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Innate Immune Function and Inflammation in Female Human Subjects

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Serena Ann Heinz (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Advisor
Dru A. Henson

Abstract: PURPOSE: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term quercetin supplementation on innate immune function and inflammation in human subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Female subjects (N=120, ages 30-79 years) were recruited from the community and randomized to one of three groups, with supplements administered using double-blinded procedures: Q-500 (500 mg/day quercetin, N=38), Q-1000 (1000 mg/day quercetin, N=40), or placebo (N=42). Subjects ingested two soft chew supplements twice daily during the twelve-week study period. Fasting blood samples were obtained pre- and post-study and were analyzed for plasma quercetin, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and leukocyte subset cell counts. Natural killer cell activity (NKCA) and lymphocyte subsets were assessed on a subset of seventy-four subjects. Granulocyte oxidative burst activity (GOBA) and phagocytosis were assessed on sixty-four subjects. Eighteen subjects had overlapping data. RESULTS: Quercetin supplementation at 500 and 1000 mg/day increased plasma quercetin (interaction effect, P<0.001) compared to placebo but had no significant influence on blood leukocyte or lymphocyte subset concentration, plasma IL-6 or TNF-a concentration, NKCA, GOBA, or granulocyte phagocytosis. NKCA was inversely correlated with BMI (r=-0.25, P=0.035) and body fat percentage (r=-0.38, P=0.001), and positively correlated with self-reported physical fitness level (r=0.24, P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial indicate that quercetin supplementation at 500 and 1000 mg/day for twelve weeks significantly increased plasma quercetin levels but had no influence on measures of innate immune function or inflammation in community-dwelling adult females.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Heinz, S.A. (2010). Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Innate Immune Function and Inflammation in Female Human Subjects. Unpublished master’s thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2010

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