Querciplex

Querciplex, provided by Douglas Laboratories, is a unique formulation of quercetin and bromelain. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that has excellent antioxidant activity. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme purified from pineapple, which is active and stable at the acidic levels found in the stomach.

FUNCTIONS Quercetin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid with strong antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of quercetin protects the gastrointestinal tract in several ways. First, quercetin prevents oxidation of lipids. The gastrointestinal tract has an increased exposure to oxidative stress due in part to the lowered pH. It is important to protect the lipid bilayer of the cell wall of the gastrointestinal tract because these cells serve as an important part of the body’s immune system.

Secondly, quercetin prevents the depletion of glutathione from the cells of the intestinal tract. Glutathione is a cosubstrate for antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. By preserving the level of glutathione, quercetin protects metabolic activity and cellular structure of the highly vulnerable cells of gastrointestinal tract from toxic free radical damage. Vitamin C synergistically improves the ability of the quercetin to preserve glutathione.

Thirdly, quercetin increases mucus secretion from gastric cells. The mucus polysaccharide provides a protective buffer for the gastric cells from the low pH of the stomach contents. The reduced contact provides protection from gastric lesions.

Quercetin also supports the normal immune response to allergens. Quercetin inhibits the IgE-mediated allergic mediator release from mast cells as well as IgG-mediated histamine release. Quercetin is a potent inhibitor of the lipoxygenase that metabolizes arachidonic acid, which is the first step towards proinflammatory arachidonic acid metabolites.

Thus, quercetin in the gastrointestinal tract helps protect against gastric lesions that permit highly antigenic proteins, antigenic compounds and/or infective agents from passing into the body. In addition it prevents the release of components of the allergic response.

INDICATIONS Querciplex may be a useful dietary supplement for individuals who wish to supplement their diet with quercetin and bromelain for immune support and antioxidant protection.