Quercetin's Multifaceted Role in Alzheimer's Disease, Melanoma, and Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review with Preclinical Insights
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid that is abundant in fruits and vegetables, demonstrates substantial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. It has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential in tuberculosis (TB), melanoma cancer, and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
METHODS
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2000-2024). The focus was on approaches to improve bioavailability, with an examination of preclinical models, pharmacological mechanisms, and therapeutic outcomes.
RESULTS
Quercetin reduced β-amyloid aggregation (45-60%), improved cognitive performance by up to 50%, and mitigated oxidative stress by nearly 50% in Alzheimer's models. In melanoma, it promoted apoptosis, inhibited angiogenesis (45% reduction), and decreased tumor volume by 40-60% in preclinical studies. In TB models, quercetin enhanced macrophage autophagy (30% increase), decreased bacterial burden by 40-60% and synergistically improved the efficacy of rifampicin by 35-40%. Addressing its bioavailability challenge (<1% in native form), nanotechnology-based delivery systems increased quercetin's absorption up to 10-fold, with certain systems achieving absolute bioavailability improvements of 30-35%.
DISCUSSION
Preclinical findings consistently highlight quercetin's multitargeted role in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and immune responses across…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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