Effects of quercetin on inflammation in COPD patients

Impact of Quercetin on Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in COPD

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Temple University · NCT03989271

This study is testing if taking quercetin can help reduce inflammation in people with COPD.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment29 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorTemple University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT03989271 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether quercetin supplementation can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It involves a small group of participants, with 8 receiving quercetin at a dosage of 2000 mg per day and 4 receiving a placebo. The study aims to explore the potential of quercetin, a plant polyphenol known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as a complementary treatment for COPD. By targeting oxidative stress and inflammation, the study seeks to provide insights into alternative therapies that may have fewer side effects than current pharmacological options.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 40 to 80 with a diagnosis of COPD and specific lung function criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to quercetin or those with primary asthma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new, well-tolerated treatment option for patients with COPD that may reduce inflammation and improve lung function.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using quercetin in COPD is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in larger clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with COPD, 40 - 80 yrs of age
* Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume (FEV)1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio 0.7, FEV1% predicted between 40 to 70
* Both active and ex-smokers with at least 10 pack-years history of smoking
* COPD patients taking H2 antagonists, loperamide or loratadine and willing to stop during the study period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergy/sensitivity to quercetin
* Subjects with primary current diagnosis of asthma
* Upper respiratory tract infection within two weeks of the screening visit
* Acute bacterial infection requiring antibiotics within two weeks of screening
* Emergency treatment or hospitalization within one month of screening for any reasons
* Unwillingness to stop flavonoid supplementation
* Dietary intake exceeding or averaging 150 mg quercetin daily as assessed by Bioflavonoid Food and Supplement Screener
* Daily warfarin or cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
* Subjects taking H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine), loperamide (Imodium) or loratadine and not willing to stop during study period
* Lung cancer history or undergoing chemo- or radiation therapy
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Subjects with no detectable levels of inflammatory CRP or SP-D in blood and/or IL-

  1β or 8-isoprostane in the exhaled breath condensate
* Women of child-bearing age and unwilling to take pregnancy test
* Child-bearing age, who are unwilling to use adequate contraception or abstain during the course of the study.
* Pregnant or lactating mothers

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseInflammationOxidative stressPlant polyphenolFlavonols
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.