Impact of quercetin on systemic levels of inflammation: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled human trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anti-inflammatory-agents #c-reactive-protein #cytokines #dietary-supplements #humans

Impact of quercetin on systemic levels of inflammation: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled human trials

Ou et al., 2020 | Int J Food Sci Nutr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ou Qiaowen, Zheng Zhifen, ... Lin Weiqun. Impact of quercetin on systemic levels of inflammation: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled human trials. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2020-Mar;71(2):152-163. doi:10.1080/09637486.2019.1627515

Abstract

Knowledge regarding the anti-inflammatory capability of quercetin remains inconclusive and controversial due to the heterogeneous methods and inconsistent results of RCTs. We performed a series of meta-analyses of RCTs to evaluate the impact of quercetin supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers. Three cytokines (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) with enough eligible studies (n = 6, 5 and 4, respectively) were selected for further meta-analyses. Data from these RCTs were pooled, and both overall effect and stratified subgroup analyses were performed. No relevant overall effects on peripheral CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were observed. Subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in circulating CRP in participants with diagnosed diseases (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.49, 0.00) and IL-6 in females (SMD: -1.37, 95% CI: -1.93, -0.81), subjects with diagnosed diseases (SMD: -1.37, 95% CI: -1.93, -0.81) and with high-dose interventions (SMD: -0.69, 95% CI: -1.10, -0.38). In conclusion, consumption of quercetin is a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic disease management.

Key Findings

In conclusion, consumption of quercetin is a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic disease management.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population diagnosed diseases
Sample Size 6
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Cytokines
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Quercetin
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09