Quercetin: a Versatile Flavonoid

ABSTRACT

Associative evidence from observational and intervention studies in human subjects shows that a diet including plant foods (particularly fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants) conveys health benefits. There is no evidence that any particular nutrient or class of bioactive substances makes a special contribution to these benefits. Flavonoids occur naturally in fruits; vegetables and beverages such as tea and wine. Quercetin is the major flavonoid which belongs to the class called flavonols. Quercetin is found in many common foods including apples; tea; onions; nuts; berries; cauliflower; cabbage and many other foods. Quercetin provides many health promoting benefits; including improvement of cardiovascular health; eye diseases; allergic disorders; arthritis; reducing risk for cancers and many more. The main aim of this review is to obtain a further understanding of the reported beneficial health effects of Quercetin; its pharmacological effects; clinical application and also to evaluate its safety