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The effect of quercetin on the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections in humans: A rapid review

Monique Aucoin, Kieran Cooley, P. Saunders, V. Cardozo, D. Remy, H. Cramer, Carlos Neyre Abad, N. Hannan

Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2020

56 citations

Abstract

Brief overview There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend quercetin supplementation as a therapy for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Three human clinical trials with low risk of bias suggest that oral quercetin may have a beneficial effect on the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infections in certain populations; however, further research is needed. Verdict Current evidence on the efficacy of quercetin supplementation in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 is insufficient for its clinical recommendation at this time. Quercetin exhibits both immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects in preclinical studies; however, only three human clinical trials, each with a low risk of bias rating, were identified in this rapid review. One study reported a decrease in incidence of upper respiratory tract infections following a competitive athletic event. A larger community clinical trial reported a benefit in older, athletic adults only.

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