Post by monty on Dec 19th, 2010 at 1:24am
Inhibiting the 5HT-2 receptors is one approach to treating clusters; olanzapine, kudzu, and the cluster-busters all seem to use varieties of this mechanism.
Came across this article that shows that quercetin (a flavonoid found in many plants) competes with serotonin to bind with the 5HT-2 receptors, and it actually binds much better than serotonin itself. If quercetin can bind without turning on the receptor (Ie, block the receptor) it might turn down headache activity.
Buckwheat and onions (especially red onions) are the bulk foods that are highest in quercetin. The sulfur compounds in onions might be a trigger for some people, but they can be largely removed by cooking. Lovage and capers are even richer in quercetin, though they are more of spices and it might be difficult to consume them in high amounts. A soup combining these might actually taste good.
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The wikipedia article also mentions a very curious fact about quercetin - it increases 'mitochondrial biogenesis' - the formation of mitochondria. This could be important as several studies on cluster headaches have revealed issues with a deficit in overall energy levels in the brain that are linked to the mitochondria. Quercetin has also been shown to reduce histamine levels and act as an anti-inflammatory in other ways.
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The effects of quercetin on serotonin might be relatively quick (hours), but increasing mitochondria would probably take days or weeks.
Came across this article that shows that quercetin (a flavonoid found in many plants) competes with serotonin to bind with the 5HT-2 receptors, and it actually binds much better than serotonin itself. If quercetin can bind without turning on the receptor (Ie, block the receptor) it might turn down headache activity.
Buckwheat and onions (especially red onions) are the bulk foods that are highest in quercetin. The sulfur compounds in onions might be a trigger for some people, but they can be largely removed by cooking. Lovage and capers are even richer in quercetin, though they are more of spices and it might be difficult to consume them in high amounts. A soup combining these might actually taste good.
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to
or END PRINTPAGEThe wikipedia article also mentions a very curious fact about quercetin - it increases 'mitochondrial biogenesis' - the formation of mitochondria. This could be important as several studies on cluster headaches have revealed issues with a deficit in overall energy levels in the brain that are linked to the mitochondria. Quercetin has also been shown to reduce histamine levels and act as an anti-inflammatory in other ways.
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to
or END PRINTPAGEThe effects of quercetin on serotonin might be relatively quick (hours), but increasing mitochondria would probably take days or weeks.