Quercetin is a powerful plant nutrient (phytonutrient) often used in supplements formulated for men, as it offers numerous benefits for prostate health. Found naturally in apples, berries, red grapes, onions, teas, and red wine, this potent antioxidant has incredible properties. In this article, we delve deeper into how quercetin and its anti-inflammatory properties can benefit three critical prostate topics: prostatitis, prostate cancer, and an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH).
Quercetin and Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition of the prostate, and since quercetin has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, it is an excellent choice for managing the illness. Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common type of prostatitis and is known for causing considerable discomfort, urinary tract symptoms, painful ejaculation, and pelvic pain. Quercetin works to block the production and release of histamine and other inflammatory factors.
In a double-blind, randomized study, 28 men with this condition were administered either a placebo or 500 mg of quercetin twice daily for one month. Of the men who took quercetin, scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) declined significantly, and two-thirds reported an improvement in symptoms of at least 25%. By comparison, only 20% of those who took the placebo experienced an improvement in symptoms1.
Quercetin and Prostate Cancer
Multiple studies have found that quercetin can fight prostate cancer in several ways. It can inhibit the activity of certain cancer-causing genes, inhibit the spread of prostate cancer, and help promote the death of cancer cells2. In a 2010 study, researchers at the University of Madras discovered that quercetin reduces the survival rate of certain prostate cancer cells by altering cell signaling and causing cell death. They concluded that quercetin could be a useful supplement for cancer patients3.
Quercetin and Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate, or BPH, affects more than half of all men by age 60, and that number increases to 85% by the age of 904. A common treatment for BPH is the drug finasteride (Proscar). In one study, the combination of finasteride and quercetin in rats with enlarged prostates resulted in improved reduction in prostate weight, particularly as the quercetin dosage increased5.
Using Quercetin
Quercetin supplements are available both by themselves and combined with other natural ingredients. The typical daily dosage for prostate health is 500 mg, but taking more than 1 gram daily should only be done with a doctor’s approval. Possible side effects of quercetin include headache and upset stomach.
For more information on men’s health, you can visit the Mayo Clinic’s Men’s Health section.
- Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial ↩
- Inhibition of prostate cancer cell colony formation by the flavonoid quercetin correlates with modulation of specific regulatory genes ↩
- Quercetin regulates insulin-like growth factor signaling and induces intrinsic and extrinsic pathway-mediated apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells (PC-3) ↩
- American Urological Association ↩
- Reduction of rat prostate weight by combined quercetin-finasteride treatment is associated with cell cycle deregulation ↩
