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Quercetin exhibits multi-target anti-allergic effects in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Zeyi Lv, Zhuo Pan, Yue Huang, Hao Yang, Xin-Rong Li

Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025

3 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid widely present in fruits, vegetables and tea with multiple pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies have indicated the potential to ameliorate allergic symptoms in animal models, but comprehensive synthesis is still scarce.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the therapeutic effects of quercetin in allergic disease models and explore its potential mechanisms.

METHODS: According to PRISMA recommendations, preclinical studies were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases. Thirteen eligible studies were extracted for quantitative synthesis analysis. In total, 13 studies using murine models (BALB/c, C57BL/6 mice, SKH-1 hairless mice and NC/Nga mice; Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats) were included. The most closely related biomarkers were total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, histamine, inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and immune cell populations (macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils). Review Manager 5.4 software was used for analysis, and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated under a random-effects model.

RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that quercetin significantly decreased the expression of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, and histamine, and suppressed the infiltration of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes.…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.

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