NOW Quercetin with Bromelain Report

8.0
Out of 10
senolytics by NOW Foods Updated: 1/15/2025

Quick Verdict

Our Rating Breakdown

Our Overall Score

8.0

out of 10

🎯
Effectiveness 7.5/10
🛡️
Safety Profile 8.5/10
💰
Value for Money 9.5/10
⭐
Product Quality 7.5/10
📊
Research Backing 7.5/10

How we score:

Our scoring system evaluates supplements using the B.I.S.P. methodology (BIO-Integrity Scoring Protocol), which analyzes scientific research, safety profiles, ingredient quality, value, and real-world effectiveness. Scores above 8.0 indicate exceptional products that meet our strict evidence standards.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Exceptional value at under $0.20 per serving
  • Includes bromelain for enhanced absorption
  • Full 500mg dose per capsule
  • GMP certified manufacturing
  • Widely available at multiple retailers
  • Long-established trusted brand

Cons

  • Standard quercetin (not phytosomal enhanced)
  • Some users report mild GI effects
  • Large capsules may be difficult for some
  • Not specifically formulated for senolytic protocols

Quick Facts

Recommended Dosage
1-3 capsules daily or senolytic protocol
Time To Benefit
4-8 weeks for anti-inflammatory; cumulative for senolytics
Best For
Budget-conscious senolytic usersDaily anti-inflammatory supportThose new to quercetin supplementation
Not Recommended For
Those seeking maximum bioavailabilityUsers sensitive to standard formulationsThose preferring premium single-ingredient products

Overview: Value Meets Function

NOW Foods has built a reputation for delivering quality supplements at affordable prices. Their Quercetin with Bromelain exemplifies this approach—offering a research-backed senolytic compound with enhanced absorption at a fraction of premium brand prices.

About NOW Foods

Company Background

NOW Foods has been in business since 1968:

Key credentials:

  • GMP certified facilities
  • Family-owned company
  • Extensive product line
  • Third-party testing programs
  • Strong value proposition

Manufacturing Quality

While not the most premium brand, NOW maintains solid standards:

  • GMP compliance
  • Identity testing
  • Potency verification
  • Third-party audits

Product Analysis

Formulation Details

SpecificationDetails
Quercetin500mg per capsule
Bromelain100mg (2400 GDU/g)
Capsule typeVegetarian (cellulose)
Other ingredientsCellulose, silica, stearic acid

The Bromelain Advantage

Bromelain is a digestive enzyme from pineapple that serves two purposes:

1. Enhanced absorption:

  • Helps break down quercetin
  • Improves bioavailability
  • Cost-effective enhancement

2. Synergistic benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Supports immune function
  • Complements quercetin’s effects

Quercetin Form

NOW uses standard quercetin dihydrate:

FormBioavailabilityCost
Standard quercetinLower$
Quercetin + bromelainImproved$
Quercetin phytosomeHigher$$$
EMIQ (enzymatically modified)Highest$$$$

Assessment: Bromelain provides modest absorption enhancement at minimal cost increase. Not as effective as phytosomal forms but significantly cheaper.

Effectiveness for Senolytic Use

The Senolytic Protocol

Quercetin shows senolytic activity—clearing zombie cells:

Research in Aging Cell demonstrated quercetin’s senolytic properties, particularly when combined with dasatinib.

Standard senolytic protocol:

  • 500-1000mg quercetin
  • 2-3 consecutive days
  • Repeated monthly
  • “Hit and run” approach

See our quercetin benefits guide for detailed protocols.

Dose Assessment

At 500mg per capsule, NOW provides:

For senolytic protocols (1000-1500mg):

  • 2-3 capsules for 2-3 days
  • Monthly cycling
  • Very cost-effective

For daily anti-inflammatory use (500-1000mg):

  • 1-2 capsules daily
  • Sustained benefits
  • Budget-friendly long-term

Expected Benefits

Senolytic effects:

  • Reduced senescent cell burden (with protocols)
  • Improved tissue function
  • Anti-inflammaging effects

General benefits:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Immune support
  • Cardiovascular benefits

Value Analysis

Price Breakdown

ProtocolCapsules UsedMonthly Cost
Senolytic (1000mg, 3 days)6/month~$1.50
Daily 500mg30/month~$5.75
Daily 1000mg60/month~$11.50

Comparison to Competitors

Brand500mg CostFeatures
NOW w/ Bromelain$0.16-0.19Absorption support
Thorne Quercetin$0.50+Phytosome form
Pure Encapsulations$0.40+Hypoallergenic
Life Extension$0.25+Standard

Assessment: NOW offers exceptional value. At under $0.20 per 500mg serving, it’s one of the most affordable quality quercetin options available.

Value Calculation

For senolytic protocols, NOW makes quercetin remarkably accessible:

Annual Cost (Monthly Protocol)NOWPremium Brand
1000mg x 3 days x 12 months~$18~$60+

Even with lower absorption, the cost advantage allows for slightly higher dosing if desired.

User Experience

Pros of NOW Quercetin

Practical benefits:

  • Easy to find (widely available)
  • Affordable for long-term use
  • Flexible dosing with 500mg capsules
  • Bromelain bonus for digestion

Quality confidence:

  • Established brand since 1968
  • GMP manufacturing
  • Consistent product availability

Potential Drawbacks

Absorption:

  • Standard quercetin has limited bioavailability
  • Not as effective per mg as enhanced forms
  • May need higher doses for equivalent effect

Tolerability:

  • Some users report mild GI effects
  • Large capsules (standard size)
  • Contains small amounts of flow agents

Comparison to Premium Alternatives

NOW vs. Thorne Quercetin Phytosome

FactorNOWThorne
Quercetin dose500mg250mg
AbsorptionEnhanced by bromelainPhytosome (20x better)
Price/serving~$0.17~$0.50
Effective doseHigherLower

Verdict: Thorne’s superior absorption may justify the 3x price for some users. NOW provides adequate results at much lower cost.

NOW vs. Swanson Fisetin

For senolytic purposes:

FactorNOW QuercetinSwanson Fisetin
Senolytic potencyModerateHigh
Cost/protocol~$1.50~$5
ResearchGoodStrong (Mayo Clinic)

Verdict: Fisetin may be more potent for senolytics but costs more. NOW quercetin is more affordable and has broader uses.

How to Optimize Results

Absorption Enhancement

Take with:

  • Fat-containing food
  • Vitamin C (may improve absorption)
  • The included bromelain helps

Timing:

  • Divided doses may improve absorption
  • Morning and evening dosing
  • Consistent daily timing for maintenance

Stacking for Senolytics

Basic senolytic protocol:

SupplementDoseDays
NOW Quercetin1000mg2-3 consecutive
Fisetin1000mgSame days
Repeat monthly

Comprehensive approach:

SupplementProtocolPurpose
QuercetinMonthly senolyticClear senescent cells
FisetinMonthly senolyticEnhanced clearance
Daily quercetin500mgAnti-inflammatory maintenance

See our senescent cells guide for full protocols.

Safety Profile

General Safety

Quercetin is generally very safe:

  • Long history of dietary consumption
  • Found naturally in many foods
  • Well-tolerated at typical doses

Potential Issues

GI effects:

  • Mild stomach upset possible
  • Taking with food helps
  • Bromelain may actually help digestion

Interactions:

  • May affect some antibiotics
  • Possible blood thinner interactions
  • Consult doctor if on medications

Who Should Be Cautious

  • Those on blood thinners
  • Kidney disease patients
  • Those on certain antibiotics (quinolones)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Our Verdict

Scores Breakdown

CategoryScoreNotes
Effectiveness7.5/10Standard form, adequate results
Safety8.5/10Well-established safety
Value9.5/10Exceptional affordability
Quality7.5/10Solid but not premium
Research Backing7.5/10Quercetin well-studied
Overall8.0/10

Bottom Line

NOW Quercetin with Bromelain delivers excellent value for those seeking quercetin’s senolytic and anti-inflammatory benefits without premium pricing. The bromelain enhancement adds value, and the cost allows for generous dosing.

Best for: Budget-conscious users, those new to senolytics, long-term anti-inflammatory support, anyone wanting effective quercetin at low cost.

Consider alternatives if: You want maximum bioavailability, prefer premium brands, or are sensitive to standard formulation additives.

Final Recommendation

For most people interested in quercetin for senolytic protocols or daily anti-inflammatory support, NOW Foods offers the best value proposition. The modest absorption limitations are offset by the dramatically lower cost.

Rating: 8.0/10 - Best value senolytic option


Frequently Asked Questions

Is NOW quercetin effective for senolytics?

Yes. While enhanced forms may offer better absorption per mg, NOW’s affordable pricing allows for adequate dosing. Research used standard quercetin successfully.

How does bromelain help quercetin?

Bromelain improves quercetin absorption by helping break it down for better uptake. It also provides complementary anti-inflammatory benefits.

Should I take NOW quercetin daily or just for senolytic protocols?

Both approaches are valid. For senolytics, monthly high-dose protocols work best. For general anti-inflammatory support, daily use of 500-1000mg is appropriate.

Is NOW Foods trustworthy?

Yes. NOW has operated since 1968, maintains GMP certification, and consistently produces reliable products. While not the most premium brand, they offer solid quality at accessible prices.


Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from purchases made through links in this review. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence or product ratings.

Medical Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

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