Anti-inflammatory potential of quercetin: From chemistry and mechanistic insight to nanoformulations

Flavonoids are hydroxylated polyphenols that are abundantly produced by plants as secondary metabolites. These flavonoids hold vast therapeutic potential as they possess numerous medicinal benefits encompassing anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anticancer and antiviral properties. Flavonoids render anti-inflammatory effect either by activating antioxidant pathways or by inhibiting enzymatic secretions involved in inflammatory reactions. Flavonoids like quercetin targets inflammation by modulating expression of cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules and by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes. Mode of action, absorption and bioavailability of flavonoids greatly affect their biological activity. On-going research is focussing on isolation, synthesis of flavonoid analogs and effect of flavonoids on human health by manifestation of different techniques and animal models. Unravelling the anti-inflammatory potential of flavonoids can manifest better treatment options against variety of diseases and metabolic syndromes. Additionally, enhanced bioavailability of flavonoids can result in superior pharmaceutical activities. • Flavonoids exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticancer, and antiviral properties. • Quercetin modulates inflammation by regulating cytokines, proinflammatory molecules, and key enzymes. • Enhancing flavonoid bioavailability can improve their therapeutic efficacy and pharmaceutical applications.