Quercetin: an agent to prevent aging!

Research into plant-derived bioactive molecules has intensified, highlighting quercetin as a promising substance for therapeutic and preventive applications, especially in the adult population. Recent studies continue to demonstrate the multiple benefits of quercetin, which include antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-Alzheimer's, antiarthritic, cardiovascular, and wound-healing actions. Furthermore, its anticancer capacity against various cell lines has gained prominence. Found in foods such as onions, grapes, and green peppers, this flavonoid substance, also present in fruits and vegetables, shows potential in enhancing and synergistically interacting with multiple drugs, reducing side effects and increasing the efficacy and safety of treatments, particularly in the case of antitumor medications (doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.01.020).

For geriatrics, a recent study published in Ageing & Longevity by Ukrainian researchers (Shatilo et al., 2022, doi:10.1007/s11357-022-00568-0) highlights the geroprotective effects of quercetin. The administration of this flavonoid for three months in older adults resulted in telomere lengthening and a reduction in metabolic age. This finding is particularly significant, as telomeres are regions of DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that protect against wear and tear. Telomere shortening is a marker of cellular aging, eventually leading to senescence or cell death when they become excessively short.

Quercetin is also recognized as an effective senolytic agent, capable of eliminating senescent cells that contribute to aging. These senescent cells release pro-inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, whose excess can cause chronic inflammation. Although they play critical roles throughout life, such as in embryonic development and wound healing, the elimination of their excess can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to telomere lengthening (doi:10.1111/acel.13172). These effects highlight the therapeutic potential of quercetin not only as an antioxidant but also as a key modulator in combating aging.

Discoveries from 2024 reinforce the impact of quercetin on modulating signaling pathways that influence cell death and endoplasmic reticulum stress, contributing to its anticancer properties, particularly in liver cancer cells, where quercetin regulates pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, generating oxidative stress and altering mitochondrial function.

Additionally, studies have also revealed that quercetin can remodel intestinal microbiota homeostasis and modulate the cerebral metabolic profile, which can regulate depression-like behaviors in animal models, indicating its therapeutic potential in mood disorders.

Quercetin's potential in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases has also been demonstrated, showing its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve endothelial function.

Future studies should focus on fully elucidating its mechanisms of action, optimizing its bioavailability, and evaluating its long-term safety for generalized use.

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