Bioclinic Naturals, EMIQ Activated Quercetin 60 Vcaps

Benefits

• Most absorbable form of quercetin
• Offers 40 times greater absorption than regular quercetin 
• Provides 167 mg of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), providing 50 mg of quercetin, as well as 50 mg of vitamin C per capsule
• Prepared using a natural enzyme process that attaches polysaccharides to convert quercetin into a soluble form
• Provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergy, and cardiovascular benefits
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Feature Summary

Quercetin, a dietary flavonol known to be one of the most potent plant-derived antioxidants, has multiple biological actions, with preclinical studies showing anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and vasodilatory benefits.1 The limiting factor in quercetin’s clinical efficacy appears to be its poor bioavailability. Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) is a mixture of quercetin monoglucoside and its alpha-oligoglucosides that has been shown to have significantly greater bioavailability than other available forms. In animals, EMIQ was shown to produce a 40-fold increase in Cmax (peak plasma concentration) and an 18-fold increase in the area under the curve compared to quercetin.2 In humans, EMIQ supplementation increased plasma concentrations to a significantly greater degree than other forms, including the aglycone and isoquercitrin (Q3G) forms.3 

Randomized placebo-controlled trials have shown EMIQ to have clinical benefits not seen with less absorbable forms. In a recent crossover trial of volunteers at risk for cardiovascular disease (i.e., with elevated blood pressure, lipids, glucose, or waist circumference), EMIQ improved endothelial function (as measured by flow-mediated vasodilatation), a key risk factor for hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.4 American football players supplementing with whey protein had greater increases in lower limb muscle mass and antioxidant protection when consuming 42 mg of EMIQ per day compared to whey alone.5 Two trials found that EMIQ reduced medication use and ocular symptoms of hay fever due to Japanese cedar pollinosis.6,7

Non-Medicinal Ingredients

Microcrystalline cellulose, vegetarian capsule (carbohydrate gum [cellulose], purified water), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).

Dosage

Recommended Adult Dose: 1 capsule, 1–2 times per day, or as directed by a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 8 weeks.

Warnings

Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children.

Allergens

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Suitable for vegetarians/ vegans. Sealed for your protection. Do not use it if the seal is broken. For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications

No specific contraindications, although safety has not been established during pregnancy or lactation. Patients with impaired renal function should also be used with caution.

Drug Interactions

No specific drug interactions, although theoretically, drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and/or P-glycoprotein (Pgp) could have altered pharmacokinetics/bioavailability.8,9

References:

1. Erdman, J. W. Jr., Balentine, D., Arab, L., et al. (2007). Flavonoids and heart health: proceedings of the ILSI North America Flavonoids Workshop, May 31-June 1, 2005, Washington, DC. J Nutr, 137(3 Suppl 1), 718S-37S.
2. Makino, T., Shimizu, R., Kanemaru, M., et al. (2009). Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin, alpha-oligo glucosyl quercetin 3-O-glucoside, is absorbed more easily than other quercetin glycosides or aglycone after oral administration in rats. Biol Pharm Bull, 32(12), 2034-40.
3. Murota, K., Matsuda, N., Kashino, Y., et al. (2010). alpha-Oligoglucosylation of a sugar moiety enhances the bioavailability of quercetin glucosides in humans. Arch Biochem Biophys, 501(1), 91-7.
4. Bondonno, N. P., Bondonno, C. P., Ward, N. C., et al. (2020). Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin improves endothelial function in volunteers at risk of cardiovascular disease. Br J Nutr, 123(2), 182-9.
5. Omi, N., Shiba, H., Nishimura, E., et al. (2019). Effects of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin in supplementary protein powder on athlete body composition: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 16(1), 39.
6. Hirano, T., Kawai, M., Arimitsu, J., et al. (2009). Preventative effect of a flavonoid, enzymatically modified isoquercitrin on ocular symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis. Allergol Int, 58(3), 373-82.
7. Kawai, M., Hirano, T., Arimitsu, J., et al. (2009). Effect of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin, a flavonoid, on symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 149(4), 359-68.
8. Hsiu, S. L., Hou, Y. C., Wang, Y. H., et al. (2002). Quercetin significantly decreased cyclosporin oral bioavailability in pigs and rats. Life Sci, 72(3), 227-35. 
9. Valentová, K., Vrba, J., Bancířová, M., et al. (2014). Isoquercitrin: pharmacology, toxicology, and metabolism. Food Chem Toxicol, 68, 267-82.