Studies attest to quercetin’s ability to kill cancer cells

08/30/2022 / By Ramon Tomey

Multiple studies have found that the compound quercetin can attack cancer cells by blocking their growth and triggering apoptosis or cell death. Quercetin previously made waves as an alternative treatment for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, as touted by the late Dr. Vladimir “Zev” Zelenko.

An August 2022 study published in Nutrition Research looked at the pro-apoptotic effects of quercetin on aging cells. The study authors from Near East University in Cyprus looked at pre-clinical and early phase data on the use of quercetin against aging cells.

“Some of these cells have apoptosis resistance and can cause recurrence in cancer,” the researchers wrote. “Quercetin administration appears to be effective in preventing or alleviating cancer formation.”

An earlier review of studies published in Cancer Letters found that animal studies had demonstrated quercetin could prevent chemically induced cancer growth and epidemiological studies found that it could also prevent lung cancer. (Related: Quercetin, the active compound in Yang-Yin-Qing-Fei-Tang, found to inhibit lung cancer.)

Lab studies have also demonstrated that quercetin is a strong antioxidant and has pro-apoptotic effects on tumor cells, with the ability to block growth at different phases of the cell cycle. Research has also demonstrated that quercetin can promote the loss of cell viability and autophagy through several pathways, including those involving mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism.

This potent antioxidant is present in several kinds of foods such as apples, onions, broccoli, green peppers, grapes and red leaf lettuce. It can also be found in blueberries, blackberries and other fruits that have a purple hue. Capers are the richest source of quercetin, with raw caper berries containing 234 milligrams per 100-gram (3.5 ounce) serving.

Quercetin a powerful antiviral against SARS-CoV-2

But before its anticancer properties took the spotlight, quercetin had been known as an effective antiviral compound. It was used to treat viral diseases such as the common cold and influenza, and showed promise against stronger pathogens that cause diseases like Epstein-Barr disease, Zika fever and hepatitis B.

True enough, a study published during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic found that a combination of quercetin, bromelain, vitamin C and zinc “showed promising results in improving clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients.” Bromelain, an enzyme found in the stem of the pineapple plant, helps address inflammation.

Zelenko, a family physician based in New York state, said quercetin helps improve the ability of human cells to absorb zinc – where it becomes effective against SARS-CoV-2. His eponymous early treatment protocol, which originally used hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) before quercetin, saved millions of lives worldwide.

His use of quercetin was actually prompted by a ban on HCQ in the Empire State.

“My [original] treatment protocol was based on the use of HCQ, zinc and the antibiotic azithromycin,” he recounted to ReAwaken America Tour founder and Brighteon.TV host Clay Clark back in January 2022. “But what happened … [was that former New York] Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order (EO) blocking pharmacies in New York state from dispensing HCQ.”

“I lost a few patients because of that EO, [since] they couldn’t get medicine. [However,] I found peer-reviewed papers about quercetin, and so I started using that. I saw really great results. I open-sourced that information [and] let everyone knew about quercetin, which is over the counter.”

Reflecting the “great results” he saw with quercetin, Zelenko oversaw the treatment of roughly 7,500 people using his protocol. Of that number, only three patients died – with their deaths stemming from pre-existing conditions they had prior to contracting COVID-19.

PreventCancer.news has more news about natural ways to prevent cancer.

Watch the January 2022 episode of Clay Clark’s “Thrive Time Show” where Dr. Vladimir Zelenko talked about his Zelenko treatment protocol for COVID-19.

This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com.