Quercetin vs Quercetin Dihydrate are both forms of the flavonoid quercetin, which is a plant pigment. Quercetin dihydrate is a type of quercetin that is often used in supplements, foods, and beverages.
What is Quercetin?
Quercetin is a plant metabolite that belongs to a class of polyphenols called flavonoids, compounds that give certain fruits their characteristic red, blue and purple appearance. Don’t worry, taking quercetin won’t turn you blue, but it may yield certain health benefits and it is considered by many to be an important healthy aging supplement.
Why? Flavonoids like quercetin are modulators of oxidative stress and support a healthy inflammatory response, but it’s difficult to get a high enough dose from diet alone to take advantage of those benefits. Because of this, many people choose to supplement.
And like most dietary supplements, quercetin is available in different forms (including the dihydrate form), making it hard to discern between these various types when you’re comparing ingredients on a label. So how do you choose what to take?
What’s the Difference Between Quercetin and Quercetin Dihydrate?
The main difference between quercetin and quercetin dihydrate lies in their chemical structure and solubility properties, which can influence their absorption and effectiveness.1.Chemical 1.Structure
- Quercetin (Anhydrous): This is the pure form of quercetin without any water molecules attached. It has a chemical structure of C15H10O7 and is typically more concentrated.
- Quercetin Dihydrate: This form of quercetin is bound to two water molecules (C15H10O72H2O), which affects its physical properties and how it interacts in solution.
2.Solubility
- Quercetin: The anhydrous form of quercetin is less soluble in water, which means it may not dissolve as easily in the digestive system. This can make it harder for the body to absorb in large quantities, unless combined with other ingredients like bromelain, which can enhance absorption.
- Quercetin Dihydrate: The dihydrate form is more water-soluble due to the presence of water molecules. This increased solubility can improve the bioavailability of quercetin, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize.
3.Absorption and Bioavailability
- Quercetin: Since it’s less soluble in water, quercetin may have a slower absorption rate when taken orally. However, when combined with other substances that enhance absorption, it can still be effective, especially at higher doses.
- Quercetin Dihydrate: The improved solubility of quercetin dihydrate leads to better absorption and faster action. This makes it a preferred option for those seeking quicker effects from their supplements.
So, in other words, if you’re supplementing, you’re more likely than not getting the superior quercetin dihydrate form and not the anhydrous quercetin. However, it’s important to note that even though quercetin dihydrate is more stable and soluble than anhydrous quercetin, it still lacks bioavailability.
The Quercetin Process: From Plant to Supplement
As a raw supplement ingredients supplier, Maxmedchem process of extracting quercetin from sophora japonica buds involves several steps, from harvesting the flower to creating a high-quality quercetin supplement:
1. Collection and Drying: Harvest unopened Sophora japonica buds and dry them to reduce moisture content.
2. Grinding: The dried flowers are ground into a fine powder to increase the surface area for better extraction.
3. Solvent Extraction: A solvent, usually ethanol or methanol, is used to extract quercetin from the powdered flowers. The flowers are soaked in the solvent for several hours or days, with occasional stirring.
4. Filtration: The mixture is filtered to remove the plant material, leaving behind a solution containing quercetin.
5. Concentration: The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure to concentrate the quercetin extract.
6. Purification: The concentrated extract may undergo further purification steps, such as chromatography, to isolate and purify quercetin.
7. Final Drying: The purified quercetin is dried to obtain the final powder form for use in research or products.
8. Formulation into Supplements: The quercetin powder is carefully formulated into various supplement forms, depending on the intended application. Quercetin may be combined with other ingredients to enhance its effects or absorption, such as bromelain or vitamin C.
9. Quality Control: Throughout the entire process, rigorous quality control measures are applied to ensure that the quercetin meets industry standards for purity, potency, and safety. These measures include testing for contaminants and verifying that the quercetin concentration matches the label claims.
For those looking for Bulk ingredient supplier quercetin powder, we offer Quercetin 98% USP BP EP. This powder complies with the standards of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopeia (BP), and European Pharmacopeia (EP), ensuring exceptional purity, potency, and consistency. Our Quercetin extract is ideal for use in supplements, cosmetics, or as a raw ingredient in commercial applications, providing manufacturers with a reliable and premium product.
Benefits of Quercetin Supplements
- Cardiovascular health
- Autoimmune disease
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotection
- Antioxidant
- Anti-allergic
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-cancer
What’s the Best Form of Quercetin?
- For Maximum Absorption: Quercetin dihydrate is the best choice for those looking for improved solubility and faster absorption.
- For Higher Potency: Quercetin anhydrous is ideal for those who need a more concentrated dose, especially when combined with absorption enhancers like bromelain.
- For Advanced Absorption: Liposomal quercetin offers enhanced bioavailability and may be suitable for those with specific digestive or absorption issues.
How to take Quercetin Supplements?
- Standard Dose: The typical recommended dosage of quercetin for general health benefits ranges from 500 mg to 1,000 mg per day, though higher doses (up to 1,500 mg) are sometimes used for specific conditions like allergies or inflammation.
- Starting with a Lower Dose: If you’re new to quercetin, it’s a good idea to start with a lower dose (around 500 mg) and gradually increase it to assess tolerance.
- Dividing the Dose: Some people may benefit from dividing the daily dose into two or more smaller doses (e.g., 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening), especially if taking higher amounts. This can help maintain more consistent levels of quercetin in the body.
Who Should Not Take Quercetin?
1. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
- Reason: There is insufficient research on the safety of quercetin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid quercetin supplements during these periods unless advised by a healthcare provider.
- Alternative: Speak with a healthcare provider to explore safer options during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
2. People with Blood Disorders
- Reason: Quercetin may have mild blood-thinning properties, which could interfere with blood clotting. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking medications that affect blood clotting should avoid quercetin unless specifically advised by a doctor.
- Possible Risk: Increased risk of bleeding or bruising, particularly during surgery or injury.
3. Individuals Taking Certain Medications
- Blood Pressure Medications: Quercetin may lower blood pressure, which could enhance the effects of antihypertensive medications (blood pressure-lowering drugs), possibly leading to dangerously low blood pressure.
- Diabetes Medications: Quercetin has the potential to affect blood sugar levels, so people taking medications for diabetes should be cautious. It may interact with insulin or other medications that regulate blood sugar.
- Corticosteroids: Quercetin may interact with corticosteroid medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. If you’re on steroids like prednisone, check with your doctor.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your project or business with our premium Quercetin 98%.
References
- Duranti G, et al. “Chronic consumption of quercetin reduces erythrocytes oxidative damage: Evaluation at resting and after eccentric exercise in humans.” Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.). February 2018. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29540274/
- Heinz SA, et al. “Quercetin supplementation and upper respiratory tract infection: A randomized community clinical trial.” Pharmacological Research. September 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7128946/
- Joseph A, et al. “Enhanced Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of a Natural Self-Emulsifying Reversible Hybrid-Hydrogel System of Quercetin: A Randomized Double-Blinded Comparative Crossover Study.” ACS Omega. December 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36570285/
- Keerthi S, et al. “Solubility and solution thermodynamic properties of quercetin and quercetin dihydrate in subcritical water.” Journal of Food Engineering. September 2010. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260877410001822
- Klitou P, et al. “Navigating the Complex Solid Form Landscape of the Quercetin Flavonoid Molecule.” Cryst Growth Des. July 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10401642/
- Li W, et al. “Emerging senolytic agents derived from natural products.” Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. July 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31077707/
- Ostadmohammadi V, et al. “Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Phytotherapy Research. May 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30848564/
- Ou Q, et al. “Impact of quercetin on systemic levels of inflammation: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled human trials.” Int J Food Sci Nutr. March 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31213101/
- Popiolek-Kalisz J, Fornal E. “The Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Blood Pressure – Meta-Analysis.” Curr Probl Cardiol. November 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35948195/
- Sahebkar A. “Effects of quercetin supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. March 2017. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2014.948609
- Serban MC, et al. “Effects of Quercetin on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Journal of the American Heart Association. July 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27405810/