Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin as an Antioxidant for Bone-Muscle-Tendon Regeneration and Aging

Quercetin (QC), a naturally occurring bioflavonoid found in various fruits and vegetables, possesses many potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its robust antioxidant properties. The generation of oxidative stress in bone cells is a key modulator of their physiological behavior. Moreover, oxidative stress status influences the pathophysiology of mineralized tissues. Increasing scientific evidence demonstrates that manipulating the redox balance in bone cells might be an effective technique for developing bone disease therapies. The QC antioxidant abilities in skeletal muscle significantly enhance muscle regeneration and reduce muscle atrophy. In addition, QC has been shown to have protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and matrix degradation in tendons, helping to maintain the structural integrity and functionality of tendons. Thus, the antioxidant properties of QC might be crucial for addressing age-related musculoskeletal disorders like osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and tendon-related inflammatory conditions. Understanding how QC influences redox signaling pathways involved in musculoskeletal disorders, including their effect on bone, muscle, and tendon differentiation, might provide insights into the diverse advantages of QC in promoting tissue regeneration and preventing cellular damage. Therefore, this study reviewed the intricate relationship among oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue repair, affected by the antioxidative abilities of QC, in age-related musculoskeletal tissues to improve the overall health of bones, muscles, and tendons of the skeletal system. Also, reviewing the ongoing clinical trials of QC for musculoskeletal systems is encouraging. Given the positive effect of QC on musculoskeletal health, further scientific investigations and controlled human intervention studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic potential to its optimum strength.