Quercetin
Quercetin is a plant-derived polyphenolic flavonoid with potential chemopreventive activity. It is abundant in various plant food sources and is a significant bioflavonoid in the human diet. Quercetin exerts various biological effects, including antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergy actions.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
While the precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, quercetin has been observed to exert several effects in vitro:
- Antiproliferative effects: These may result from the modulation of EGFR or estrogen-receptor mediated signal transduction pathways. Quercetin has been observed to decrease the expression of mutant p53 protein and the p21-ras oncogene, which are implicated in cell cycle regulation and tumor progression, respectively.
- Cell cycle arrest: Quercetin may induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, impeding the progression of the cell cycle and potentially inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
- Inhibition of heat shock protein synthesis: Heat shock proteins play a role in protecting cells from stress. Their inhibition by quercetin may make cells more susceptible to the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs.
- Synergy with chemotherapeutic drugs: Quercetin may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs and reverse the multidrug resistance phenotype in vitro.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-allergy Effects[edit | edit source]
Quercetin's anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects are thought to be mediated through the inhibition of the lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways. These enzymes play key roles in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. By inhibiting these pathways, quercetin can potentially reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
Food Sources[edit | edit source]
Quercetin is found in various plant-based foods, including apples, onions, berries, red wine, and green tea. Dietary supplements of quercetin are also available.
Further Research[edit | edit source]
While quercetin's potential health benefits are promising, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness and safety in humans, particularly in relation to its potential chemopreventive properties.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Quercetin Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD