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Basic research on quercetin in liver cancer: Progress and perspectives
Binbin Liu1, Yunfeng Yu, Ruoyu Wang
1The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Quercetin is a natural plant flavonoid that has various biological properties. It is widely found in many fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbs. Accumulating studies have demonstrated its significant inhibitory effects on liver cancer progression, mainly by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, combination therapies incorporating quercetin have been shown to reduce multidrug resistance and potentiate anticancer efficacy. However, the clinical application of quercetin remains challenging due to its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. Current research efforts are primarily directed toward developing nano-delivery systems to overcome these pharmacological limitations. Before clinical implementation, systematic safety evaluations must be conducted to ensure therapeutic feasibility. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in quercetin-based liver cancer therapeutics, including mechanistic studies, clinical trial developments, nano-delivery system innovations, and safety assessments, and the related mechanisms of quercetin in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine are summarized, aiming to provide the theoretical basis for the subsequent in-depth mechanism research and clinical development and application.
Insights
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, shows promise in inhibiting liver cancer by inducing apoptosis and reducing proliferation. Nano-delivery systems are being developed to improve its poor solubility for better clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with demonstrated anticancer properties.
- It effectively inhibits liver cancer progression by promoting apoptosis and suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Quercetin also shows potential in overcoming multidrug resistance in combination therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in quercetin-based liver cancer therapeutics.
- To explore mechanistic studies, clinical trials, and nano-delivery innovations.
- To summarize safety assessments and Traditional Chinese Medicine mechanisms of quercetin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on quercetin in liver cancer.
- Analysis of nano-delivery systems designed to enhance quercetin bioavailability.
- Examination of safety data and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) related mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Quercetin exhibits significant inhibitory effects on liver cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- Nano-delivery systems show promise in overcoming quercetin's poor water solubility and oral bioavailability.
- Combination therapies with quercetin can reduce multidrug resistance and enhance anticancer efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin holds significant therapeutic potential for liver cancer, supported by mechanistic and preclinical data.
- Overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations through nano-delivery is crucial for clinical translation.
- Further research and systematic safety evaluations are necessary for the clinical application of quercetin in liver cancer treatment.
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