Cysta-Q is an herbal supplement containing bioflavonoids and other herbal ingredients that is manufactured by Farr Laboratories (http://www.cystaq.com). It is a proprietory formulation with patent pending. Please refer questions on its manufacture and composition to Farr Labs.
I use Cysta-Q in patients with clinical symptoms consistent with interstitial cystitis. I first rule out other causes of urinary frequency and pain such as infection, stones, cancer or primary bladder instability. I have used Cysta-Q successfully as first line therapy or in patients who have failed multiple other conventional therapies (eg Elmiron, DMSO, Elavil, Atarax, hydrodistension).
I recommend 1 capsule taken two times per day. If the patient has no symptom improvement after 3 months, the product is unlikely to help them.
There is a theoretical risk that use of Cysta-Q will interfere with the action of quinolone antibiotics (eg Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin). Therefore, don't take these antibiotics with Cysta-Q. It is known that bioflavonoids cross the placenta and in fact are found in higher concentrations in the fetal blood than in the mother's. Since antioxidants such as Cysta-Q can behave as pro-oxidants at very high doses, harm to the fetus is theoretically possible. Therefore, don't take Cysta-Q if you are pregnant and use birth control while you are taking the product.
Some patients who take the product on an empty stomach report mild nausea. Some patients report slight tingling in the extremities shortly after their first dose.
I don't recommend it. There is no way of knowing how ingredients in other herbal supplements or treatments will interact with Cysta-Q. Even if the other therapy is considered "safe", it may interfere with the absorption of Cysta-Q, or block its actions in other ways. Furthermore, very high doses of antioxidants can lead to pro-oxidant effects. By combining high doses of multiple supplements, you may actually be producing the opposite and potentially harmful effect.
Long term use of bioflavonoids has been associated with decreased mortality from heart disease and lower cholesterol. There is preliminary evidence that bioflavonoids may prevent and/or treat some forms of cancer.