Assessing the therapeutic potential of quercetin, a widely spread flavonoid, in the prevention and management of chronic and degenerative diseases through a modern Chinese medicine perspective

Abstract

Introduction

It is evident in Traditional Chinese Medicine that quercetin (QUE, 槲皮素, Húpísù) is present in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including Sophora japonica (槐花, Huáihuā) and Ginkgo biloba (银杏, Yínxìng). It is recognized for its protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects.

Methods

We looked for studies in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2025. The keywords we chose were “quercetin,” “chronic diseases,” “antioxidant,” “anti-inflammatory,” and “Traditional Chinese Medicine.” Findings on QUE’s drug interactions, problems figuring out its dosing, and its place in TCM were examined.

Results

QUE prevents some of the negative effects of ageing and chronic diseases by acting as an effective antioxidant. It controls inflammation by cutting back on TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and by blocking NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt pathways. QUE improves how the body uses insulin, supports the function of β-cells, and regulates sugar metabolism using AMPK and GLUT4. Tea tree oil acts against germs by rupturing membranes and prohibiting biofilm from forming. Ques presents itself as an enhancer of Treg cell differentiation and a way to decrease uncontrolled actions of the immune system in autoimmune disorders. Yet, its clinical application is not strong because it breaks down easily and has low bioavailability.

Discussion

Because QUE has a wide range of therapeutic effects, it is being used more often in treatments for ongoing and inflammatory health problems. Traditional Russian Medicine makes it clear that ancient ideas can be used with modern medical approaches. In the future, scientists should examine how to improve the delivery of QUE and validate its use in clinical trials.