Nature's Hidden Remedy - Quercetin is a member of the bioflavonoid family and is found in buckwheat or in blue green algae. A bioflavonoid is sometimes referred to as Vitamin P. It enhances the absorption of Vitamin C. Bioflavonoids act synergistically with Vitamin C to protect and preserve the structure of capillary blood vessels. The more common bioflavonoids are hesperidin and rutin, which you will often find in Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging (EIPH) formulas.

"Quercetin is of interest also in inflammatory and allergic diseases as it stabilizes mast cells (which contain histamine) and inactivate many inflammatory enzymes. It may also interfere with viruses' ability to reproduce" (1). Consider using quercetin when your animal is suffering from a viral infection. It may also effectively be used in asthma protocols.

Free radicals and anti-oxidants are terms that need to be understood to recognize the full value of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD, explains this beautifully: "Free radicals are electrically imbalanced molecules that attack normal body tissues to steal an electrical charge that will restore them to a normal state. The damaged cell in turn attacks its neighbors in the same way, setting up a chain reaction of cellular damage. ...Free radicals may be responsible for many of the very familiar and uncomfortable symptoms of infection/inflammation (pain, swelling) and for symptoms of viral infections.

Exercise and the generation of energy also result in free radical production that damages the exercising tissue. This process is considered to be a significant cause of muscle aching and fatigue that follows heavy exercise, even in a normal animal. Anti-oxidants are substances present in the diet and manufactured by the body whose function is to neutralize free radicals before they can damage normal body tissues" (1).

Reference:
Equine Supplements & Nutraceuticals by Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD. Breakthrough Publications, Ossining, NY, 1998. p 99.