Quercetin, one of the two primary ingredients in Thorne's Quercetin Complex, stabilizes the body's mast cells, which store and release histamine, so it supports individuals who suffer from allergies. Quercetin appears to have many other beneficial effects on human health, including protection of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system, where it scavenges free radicals and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Thorne's Quercetin Complex combines quercetin phytosome (quercetin bound to sunflower-sourced phospholipids, which increases the body's ability to absorb the quercetin) and bromelain, a compound of protein-digesting enzymes derived from the pineapple plant. Bromelain also has immune-enhancing properties because it contains constituents that help maintain a healthy cytokine balance. Bromelain helps reduce bruising and swelling after an injury or surgery. A number of quercetin's positive effects appear to be due to its antioxidant activity. By itself, and paired with vitamin C, quercetin can reduce the incidence of oxidative damage to the skin and nerves caused by the natural depletion of glutathione. The advantage of quercetin phytosome is its advanced phytosome technology. Phytosome complexes are created by a patented process that binds a botanical extract to a phospholipid, which are key components of every cell membrane. Bromelain, which is a mixture of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes from the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), has been shown to promote healing and reduce temporary and minor swelling and bruising following an injury or a surgical procedure – including dental surgery. One study of patients with bone fractures found bromelain decreased swelling.