Therapeutic potential of quercetin based on nanotechnology: a review

Abstract

Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has attracted considerable interest in its numerous health benefits; nevertheless, some limitations restrict its oral use. Therefore, to improve its bioavailability, investigators are applying nanotechnology, specifically nanocarriers, to direct quercetin to specific sites of action. Studies indicate that cancer is the most investigated disease due to high mortality and poor prognosis around the world, and the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in different types of neoplasia, including breast cancer, have been reported. The greatest interest has also been focused on inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, this review outlines the most relevant development scenarios, highlighting studies using the delivery mechanisms, showing that the studies present promising results.