Quercetin as an anticancer agent: Focus on esophageal cancer.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential of quercetin, a polyphenol, as a supplement for the prevention, treatment, and management of esophageal cancer due to its natural origin and low cost.
Results Summary
The study found that quercetin exhibits cancer-related benefits through cell proliferation inhibition, proapoptotic effects, and antioxidant properties, but most findings are based on in vitro and in vivo studies, necessitating further human-based research.
Population
Not specified (primarily in vitro and in vivo studies).
Effective Dosage
Not provided.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quercetin | decrease | cancer-related diseases | - | - | can affect the processes of cancer-related diseases | #1 |
Quercetin | decrease | cell proliferation | - | - | cell proliferation inhibitory effects | #2 |
Quercetin | increase | apoptosis | - | - | potential apoptosis effects | #3 |
Quercetin | decrease | oxidative stress | - | - | antioxidant properties | #4 |
Quercetin | decrease | esophageal cancer | - | - | may be an important supplement for the prevention, treatment, and management | #5 |
Quercetin | increase | apoptosis | - | - | potential proapoptotic functions | #6 |
Esophageal cancer (EC) is regarded as the sixth highest contributor to all cancer-related mortality, worldwide. In spite of advances in the treatment of EC, currently used methods remain ineffective. Quercetin, as a dietary antioxidant, is a plant flavonol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols, and can be found in numerous vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Quercetin can affect the processes of cancer-related diseases via cell proliferation inhibitory effects, potential apoptosis effects, and antioxidant properties. Of the various types of cancer, the use of quercetin has now become prominent in the treatment of EC. In this review, we discuss how quercetin may be an important supplement for the prevention, treatment, and management of EC, owing to its natural origin, and low-cost relative to synthetic cancer drugs. However, most findings cited in the current study are based on in vitro and in vivo studies, and thus, further human-based research is necessitated. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In spite of advances in the treatment of esophageal cancer, currently used methods remain ineffective, therefore, an alternative or complementary therapy is required. Quercetin, as a dietary antioxidant, can affect the processes of cancer-related diseases via cell proliferation inhibitory effects, potential proapoptotic functions, and antioxidant properties. Quercetin may be an important supplement for the prevention, treatment, and management of EC, owing to its natural origin. The low cost of quercetin as supplement or dietary intake, relative to synthetic cancer drugs, is an advantage of the compound which should be considered.