Quercetin in Oncology: A Phytochemical with Immense Therapeutic Potential

Curr Drug Targets. 2024;25(11):740-751. doi: 10.2174/0113894501292466240627050638.

Abstract

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with various pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antiviral activities. Looking at these enormous potentials, researchers have explored how they can be used to manage numerous cancers. It's been studied for cancer management due to its anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastatic, and antiproliferative mechanisms. Despite having these proven pharmacological activities, the clinical use of quercetin is limited due to its first-- pass metabolism, poor solubility, and bioavailability. To address these shortcomings, researchers have fabricated various nanocarriers-based formulations to fight cancer. The present review overshadows the pharmacological potential, mechanisms, and application of nanoformulations against different cancers. Teaser: Explore the potential of Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with diverse pharmacological activities, and its nanoformulations in managing various cancers.

Keywords: Quercetin; anticancer activities; clinical trials; medicinal plants.; nanoformulations; pharmacotherapeutic activities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Biological Availability
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Phytochemicals / chemistry
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Quercetin* / chemistry
  • Quercetin* / pharmacology
  • Quercetin* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Quercetin
  • Phytochemicals
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants