Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin

Abstract

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has been a part of human diets for centuries. Its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties, have been extensively studied. Its strong antioxidant properties enable it to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against cellular damage. Quercetin's anti-inflammatory properties involve inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions. It also exhibits anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Finally, quercetin has cardiovascular benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving endothelial function, making it a promising candidate for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. This review provides an overview of the chemical structure, biological activities, and bioavailability of quercetin, as well as the different delivery systems available for quercetin. Incorporating quercetin-rich foods into the diet or taking quercetin supplements may be beneficial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. As research progresses, the future perspectives of quercetin appear promising, with potential applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods to promote overall well-being and disease prevention. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanisms of action, optimize its bioavailability, and assess its long-term safety for widespread utilization.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory; anticancer activity; antioxidative activity; chronic diseases; free radicals; pharmaceutical applications.

Figure 1

The main sources of quercetin [4].

Figure 2

Structure and potential applications of quercetin.

Figure 3

Quercetin activity in different cancer types.

Figure 4

The anti-inflammation signal pathways of quercetin. Abbreviations: PPAR-γ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinases; ICAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1; Nrf2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; PKCδ, protein kinase c-delta; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-1β, interleukin-1β; AP-1, activator protein 1; HO-1, heme oxygenase-1; NF-κB, nuclear factor-kappa B; IκBα, nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor.

Figure 5

Recent strategies on the enhancement of quercetin bioavailability.