quercetin

[ kwur-si-tin ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a yellow, crystalline, slightly water-soluble powder, C 1 5 H 1 0 O 7 , obtained from the bark of the quercitron and other vegetable substances, used as a yellow dye; flavin.

quercetin

/ ˈkwɜːsɪtɪn; kwɜːˈsɛtɪk; -ˈsiː- /

noun

1. a yellow crystalline pigment found naturally in the rind and bark of many plants. It is used in medicine to treat fragile capillaries. Formula: C 15 H 10 O 7 ; melting pt: 316–7°C Also calledflavin

Derived Forms

• quercetic, adjective

Other Words From

• quer·cet·ic [kwer-, set, -ik, -, see, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quercetin¹

1855–60; < New Latin quercēt ( um ) an oak grove ( Latin querc ( us ) oak ( quercine ) + -ētum suffix of places where a given plant grows) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of quercetin¹

C19: from Latin quercētum an oak forest (from quercus an oak) + -in

Example Sentences

“Quercetin, turmeric, all of those things have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Simin Meydani, a professor of nutrition and immunology at Tufts University.

From National Geographic

When several flavonoids in wine known to block ALDH2 were tested, the most potent was quercetin-3-glucuronide.

From Salon

This suggests that when we drink red wine, the liver converts quercetin into quercetin-3-glucuronide, which causes us to accumulate acetaldehyde.

From Salon

It is important to note that quercetin alone does not cause headaches.

From Salon

If the combination of quercetin and ethanol causes headaches, why is it that some people can drink red wine without any effect, while others experience headaches when they drink it?

From Salon