2,851
edits
Quercetin: Difference between revisions
→Pharmacological Properties
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
The pharmacological properties of '''Quercetin''' have sparked extensive research due to its potential therapeutic applications. Here we explore its absorption, metabolism, elimination, and mode of action within the body. | The pharmacological properties of '''Quercetin''' have sparked extensive research due to its potential therapeutic applications. Here we explore its absorption, metabolism, elimination, and mode of action within the body. | ||
=== Absorption and Bioavailability === | === Absorption and Bioavailability === | ||
Quercetin's bioavailability is complex, influenced largely by its poor water solubility, which results in low absorption and extensive metabolism, hence reducing its availability to exert biological effects. It is predominantly found in foods as glycosides, bound to sugar molecules, which impacts its absorption and subsequent bioavailability. | Quercetin's bioavailability is complex, influenced largely by its poor water solubility, which results in low absorption and extensive metabolism, hence reducing its availability to exert biological effects. It is predominantly found in foods as glycosides, bound to sugar molecules, which impacts its absorption and subsequent bioavailability. | ||
Absorption Process: | '''Absorption Process:''' Quercetin, when consumed, undergoes an absorption process primarily in the small intestine. The glycosidic form of quercetin needs to be hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase to its aglycone form before absorption. Once hydrolyzed, it is absorbed through enterocytes via passive diffusion or through active transport mechanisms. The overall absorption of quercetin is estimated to be relatively low, varying between individuals and dependent on dietary matrix and presence of other flavonoids. | ||
Quercetin, when consumed, undergoes an absorption process primarily in the small intestine. The glycosidic form of quercetin needs to be hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase to its aglycone form before absorption. Once hydrolyzed, it is absorbed through enterocytes via passive diffusion or through active transport mechanisms. The overall absorption of quercetin is estimated to be relatively low, varying between individuals and dependent on dietary matrix and presence of other flavonoids. | |||
'''Enhancing Bioavailability:''' Due to inherent limitations in bioavailability, several strategies have been explored to enhance the absorption and stability of quercetin. These include the development of various formulations and delivery systems such as: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 45: | Line 39: | ||
| Co-administration with Piperine || Approximately 20% || Inhibits metabolism of quercetin, improving its bioavailability. | | Co-administration with Piperine || Approximately 20% || Inhibits metabolism of quercetin, improving its bioavailability. | ||
|} | |} | ||
Implications of Low Bioavailability: | Implications of Low Bioavailability: | ||
The low bioavailability of quercetin raises questions about the clinical relevance of its potential health benefits observed in vitro and in animal studies. It necessitates the need for effective delivery systems and formulations to realize its therapeutic potential in humans. Additionally, understanding the biological activities of its metabolites is crucial, as they are the predominant forms present in systemic circulation. | The low bioavailability of quercetin raises questions about the clinical relevance of its potential health benefits observed in vitro and in animal studies. It necessitates the need for effective delivery systems and formulations to realize its therapeutic potential in humans. Additionally, understanding the biological activities of its metabolites is crucial, as they are the predominant forms present in systemic circulation. | ||
=== Metabolism and | === Metabolism and Bioavailability === | ||
Once absorbed, quercetin undergoes extensive metabolism | Once absorbed, quercetin undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver and intestines, where it is converted into various metabolites through glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. The extensive metabolism significantly reduces the concentrations of free quercetin in the plasma, limiting its bioavailability. The metabolites, however, may retain some biological activity and contribute to the overall effects of quercetin in the body. | ||
=== Mode of Action === | === Mode of Action === | ||