Quercetin may block Hep C infection

Researchers showed that the natural compound Quercetin inhibits the synthesis of the proteins that perpetuate Hepatitis C, significantly inhibiting viral infection in tissue culture. "This is an important finding because we can block these proteins with the idea of reducing the level of the virus in people and, ideally, completely eliminate it," said researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The study appeared in the most recent issue of the journal Hepatology. Since Quercetin has been shown to inhibit hepatitis C infection, a Phase I clinical trial will be launched at UCLA to determine if the compound is safe and effective. Quercetin is a plant-derived bioflavonoid, and is used by some people as a nutritional supplement.

"Because Quercetin targets cellular proteins rather than viral proteins, there is less likelihood of developing viral resistance," researchers said. "Cellular proteins cannot change like viral proteins can. Quercetin may allow for the dissection of the viral life cycle and has potential therapeutic use to reduce virus production with low associated toxicity," the study states. The UCLA clinical trial will most likely target those with type 1 hepatitis C, which is the non-responsive type prevalent in this country. Only about 50 percent of those with type 1 hepatitis C respond to treatment. Quercetin has resulted in no significant side effects. "A non-toxic treatment for chronic hepatitis C would be great because our current therapies have significant side effects and only a certain percentage of the patient population responds," researchers said. The three-year study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Cure Digestive Diseases Research Center and the Stein Oppenheimer Endowment Award.

Steve - what a novel idea? Quercetin has cellular proteins which would be unlikely for the virus to develop a resistance. This was a very prestigious study. These results are unbelievably exciting.