Quercetin and Infertility: Can This Plant Compound Support Fertility?

Quercetin and infertility are increasingly linked in scientific research, with studies suggesting that this plant compound may influence both male and female reproductive health. As fertility challenges rise, many couples are exploring natural supplements like quercetin as supportive options.

What Is Quercetin and How Does It Work in the Body?

Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant-based compound found in apples, onions, berries, and tea. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps neutralize unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS create oxidative stress, a process that harms cells, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress can reduce fertility by damaging sperm, eggs, and reproductive tissues.

Beyond its antioxidant effects, quercetin reduces inflammation and may influence hormone balance. These actions explain why researchers study its possible role in reproductive health.

Quercetin and Infertility – What Does the Science Say?

The relationship between quercetin and infertility is complex. Studies reveal both promising benefits and some concerns, depending on age, dosage, and reproductive status.

How Might Quercetin Influence Female Fertility and IVF?

Several studies show that quercetin may improve egg quality and support assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

For example, researchers found that quercetin enhanced in vitro oocyte maturation in both aged mice and human eggs, increasing the chances of healthy embryo development. Another study showed that adding rutin and quercetin to IVF culture medium more than doubled fertilization rates in animals, while oral supplementation also improved pregnancy outcomes.

Not all results are positive. A long-term mouse study revealed that chronic quercetin intake reduced reproductive potential, especially in older females. While younger animals produced larger litters at first, fertility declined with age. These findings suggest that timing and dosage matter when using quercetin.

Quercetin and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often causes infertility in women. Research suggests quercetin may regulate hormones and improve metabolic health in PCOS. In clinical trials, quercetin supplementation reduced testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels and improved insulin resistance. It also improved ovarian morphology, supporting healthier egg development. These results make quercetin a promising natural option for women with PCOS-related infertility.

Does Quercetin Affect Hormones and Pregnancy?

Hormones strongly influence fertility, so many people ask: does quercetin affect estrogen or other reproductive hormones? Evidence suggests it does. Animal and small human studies show that quercetin influences steroid hormones, reduces excess testosterone, and supports estrogen balance. These effects may benefit women with hormone-related conditions like PCOS.

During pregnancy, safety remains unclear. Quercetin in foods appears safe, but no strong evidence proves that supplements are safe in pregnancy. Until researchers conduct more human studies, healthcare providers recommend avoiding quercetin supplements during pregnancy unless medically advised.

Quercetin and Male Fertility – Can It Boost Testosterone and Sperm Quality?

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of male infertility. It harms sperm DNA, reduces motility, and lowers overall sperm quality. Quercetin may protect sperm by acting as an antioxidant.

A research review found that quercetin protected sperm from oxidative stress, improved motility, and supported overall sperm quality. It also bound to toxic metals, which can otherwise damage fertility. Some findings suggest quercetin may influence testosterone by supporting testicular function and hormone production.

Results remain mixed, and more controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm quercetin’s role in male fertility and testosterone levels.

Is Quercetin Safe for Long-Term Use and During Pregnancy?

Most people consume quercetin naturally through fruits and vegetables, and experts recognize it as safe in normal dietary amounts. Supplement forms, often between 100–1000 mg daily, are generally well tolerated.

Concerns rise with long-term, high-dose use. Animal studies show potential risks to female fertility over time when quercetin intake remains high. For pregnant women, no strong evidence confirms safety, so health professionals usually advise avoiding supplements during pregnancy.

How Much Quercetin Do You Need Daily?

No official daily requirement for quercetin exists. On average, people consume 10–100 mg per day from foods like onions, apples, berries, and tea. Supplement studies often use higher amounts, typically between 500–1000 mg daily.

When considering supplementation for fertility, remember that most studies are experimental. The ideal human dose remains uncertain. Still, if you want to increase intake naturally, you can focus on food sources. Here are some of the richest dietary sources of quercetin, ranked by typical daily contribution:

1. Onions – one of the highest natural sources of quercetin.

2. Apples – especially with the skin left on.

3. Berries – including blueberries, cranberries, and blackberries.

4. Tea – both green and black varieties.

5. Leafy greens and broccoli – added benefits from fiber and other antioxidants.

This list shows how a balanced diet can provide a steady supply of quercetin without relying only on supplements.

How Does Quercetin Compare to Other Antioxidants for Fertility?

Quercetin is one of many antioxidants studied for reproductive health. Researchers have also looked at vitamins C and E, along with compounds like N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC, in particular, is sometimes paired with quercetin for potential added benefits. Like quercetin, these antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, but quercetin may offer additional effects on hormone balance and ovarian function.

Final Thoughts

Quercetin and infertility research shows both promise and caution. Quercetin may improve egg quality, sperm health, and IVF outcomes, while offering benefits for women with PCOS. At the same time, long-term, high-dose use raises concerns, especially for female fertility with age.

If you are considering quercetin for fertility, consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe use, especially if you are pregnant or undergoing treatment. More clinical research is needed before quercetin can be widely recommended.

Looking for a high-quality supplement? Shop Ultra Pure Quercetin™ today to support your health journey.

References 

1. Beazley, K. E., & Nurminskaya, M. (2016). Effects of dietary quercetin on female fertility in mice: Implication of transglutaminase 2. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28(7), 974–981. https://doi.org/10.1071/RD14155
2. Cao, Y., Zhao, H., Wang, Z., Zhang, C., Bian, Y., Liu, X., … Zhao, Y. (2020). Quercetin promotes in vitro maturation of oocytes from humans and aged mice. Cell Death & Disease, 11, 965. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-020-03183-5
3. Tanaka, H., & Ichihara, S. (2025). Improving fertilization rates in IVF using rutin and quercetin in preculture medium or through oral administration. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1506029. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1506029
4. Poudineh, S., Sarlak, A., Mohammadian, S., Najafi, S., Behzadi, E., & Poudineh, M. (2023). Quercetin and Male Fertility: A Literature Review. Journal of Health Sciences & Surveillance System, 11(4), 679–685. https://doi.org/10.30476/jhsss.2022.95139.1574
5. Pourteymour Fard Tabrizi, F., Hajizadeh-Sharafabad, F., Vaezi, M., Jafari-Vayghan, H., Alizadeh, M., & Maleki, V. (2020). Quercetin and polycystic ovary syndrome, current evidence and future directions: A systematic review. Journal of Ovarian Research, 13, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-020-0616-z