Quercetin has been studied scientifically for the past 30 years. It s documented as safe and having relatively low toxicity. The compound is currently used in therapeutic treatments for allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema and hives. It s also used clinically to treat several inflammatory conditions, including gout, pancreatitis and prostatitis. The Mayo Clinic study is the first research indicating quercetin has significant activity against the androgen receptor in the human prostate cancer cell lines.
Androgens are male hormones, the most common being testosterone.
Androgens also are involved in the development, progression and growth of prostate cancer. The biological effects of androgens in the prostate are mediated by the androgen receptor, says Dr. Xing. An activated androgen receptor can turn on or off critical genes, which affect the biology and pathology of the prostate. Our study also delineated the mechanism by which quercetin reduced the androgen receptor. Androgen deprivation or suppression therapy by surgery or medication to remove or reduce the androgens is the cornerstone of current treatment for advanced prostate cancer.