Quercetin is a naturally-occurring bioflavonoid found in red wine, berries, apples, broccoli, and tea. A potent free-radical scavenger, quercetin helps stop inflammation before it starts. It has been used as a supplement for disparate conditions affected by inflammation, including heart disease, asthma and allergies, and arthritis.
Quercetin for chronic prostatitis
Most importantly, quercetin is one of the few supplements that have been proven effective in clinical trials for pelvic pain. In a randomized study of men with chronic prostatitis, quercetin was shown to benefit more than 2 in 3 men. Symptoms were improved by an average of 38 percent, without significant side effects being reported by the researchers.
The daily dose of quercetin used in the clinical trial was 1,000 mg per day over the course of a month. While it likely won’t be enough to eliminate symptoms completely, it can be an important adjunct to pelvic floor physical therapy and other treatments, with limited risk of adverse events.
“With any chronic pelvic pain condition, a multi-disciplinary approach is essential. Supplements can be an important part of treatment, complementing physical therapy, oral medications, and a self-care program.” -Dr. Nicole Cozean, PT, DPT, WCS, CSCS
Read more in our Prostatitis Health Center.
Reference
Shoskes DA et al. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology 1999 Dec; 54(6): 960-63
