What is quercetin?

Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) found in foods such as onions, apples, berries and green tea. It is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, which means it is able to neutralize harmful free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to various diseases, including cancer. In addition to its antioxidant activity, quercetin also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it an important compound for research into preventing and treating disease.

The mechanism of action of quercetin in cancer

Quercetin exerts anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibiting angiogenesis, and preventing metastasis. The following is a detailed explanation of these mechanisms:

1. Inhibit cancer cell proliferation

One of the main functions of quercetin is to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. It slows or prevents the progression of many types of cancer, including breast, lung and colon cancer, by interfering with key cell signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.

2. Induces apoptosis

Cancer cells often escape apoptosis, allowing them to proliferate and survive without limits. Quercetin has been shown to promote the natural death process of cancer cells by activating pro-apoptotic proteins (such as Bax) and inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2), which is critical for the elimination of cancer cells.

3. Inhibit angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is critical to tumor growth and metastasis because tumors require a blood supply to grow. Quercetin has been found to inhibit angiogenesis by reducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an effect that limits the growth and spread of tumors by cutting off their blood supply.

4. Prevent cancer cell metastasis

Metastasis, the spread of cancer from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, is one of the major challenges in cancer treatment. Research shows that quercetin can inhibit the enzymes and processes involved in cancer cell migration and invasion, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby preventing cancer cells from invading surrounding tissues and spreading.

5. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major causes of cancer development and progression. Quercetin’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neutralize free radicals that can damage DNA and promote cancer formation. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, quercetin helps create an environment that is not conducive to cancer cell growth.

Quercetin combined with traditional cancer treatment

Research shows that quercetin can enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. Quercetin may increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs, thereby improving the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, due to its antioxidant properties, quercetin has been shown to protect normal cells from the harmful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This dual role of enhancing therapeutic effects while protecting healthy cells makes quercetin a promising adjunct in cancer treatment.

Clinical studies of quercetin in cancer research

Although most research on the anti-cancer effects of quercetin has been conducted in laboratories or animal models, its use in human clinical trials has also attracted increasing attention. There is more and more interest. Several studies provide encouraging results regarding quercetin’s potential in cancer treatment:

1. Breast cancer

In breast cancer research, quercetin has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells by inhibiting key pathways related to cell proliferation. Additionally, quercetin has been found to increase the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to tamoxifen, a drug commonly used to treat breast cancer, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

2. Lung cancer

Lung cancer research shows that quercetin can induce lung cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis, thereby limiting tumor growth and metastasis. These effects suggest that quercetin may have potential in lung cancer treatment, either alone or in combination with traditional therapies.

3. Prostate cancer

In prostate cancer, quercetin has been shown to slow cancer progression by inhibiting the androgen receptor signaling pathway. This interference may help slow the growth of hormone-driven prostate tumors.

Quercetin and the future of cancer treatment

Quercetin is a natural compound that shows great potential in cancer treatment. However, more human clinical trials are still needed to fully understand its potential benefits, optimal dosage, and safety. As research progresses, quercetin may become an important component of personalized cancer therapies, especially when combined with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Conclusion

Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid with significant anti-cancer properties. By inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and inhibiting metastasis, quercetin shows great potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Although more clinical studies are still needed to confirm its efficacy in humans, growing evidence suggests that quercetin may become a valuable addition to traditional cancer therapies, providing patients with a way to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life. natural method.

Academic articles on quercetin and cancer

1. Li, Y., et al. (2016).

Quercetin induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells and inhibits the PI3K/Akt pathway.

“Journal of Cell Biochemistry”, 117(9), 2239-2251.

[DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25569](https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.25569)

2. Granado-Serrano, A. B., et al. (2012).

Quercetin inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Cancer Research, 72(10), 1917-1926.

[DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-11-2811](https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-11-2811 )

3. Yang, J. H., et al. (2014).

Quercetin inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by regulating androgen receptor signaling.

“Molecular Nutrition and Food Research”, 58(4), 811-819.

[DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201300409](https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201300409)

4. Nair, M. P., et al. (2011).

Quercetin enhances the chemotherapeutic effect of cisplatin in cancer treatment.

“Phytotherapy Research”, 25(8), 1193-1197.

[DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3407](https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3407)

5. Chen, C., et al. (2010).

Quercetin enhances the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to radiation by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

“Oncology Reports”, 24(6), 1741-1750.

[DOI: 10.3892/or.2010.1037](https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2010.1037)

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and reference purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment or advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition or medical problems. The content of this article is not intended to recommend any specific test, treatment, or medication and should not be considered such advice. If you develop symptoms or need medical assistance, please contact a medical professional promptly.