Quercetin is a flavonoid, a type of polyphenolic compound that's found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, berries, onions, and grapes. Known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin has gained attention for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Research suggests that quercetin can interfere with cancer cell signalling pathways, leading to a reduction in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and inducing programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Quercetin may also have the ability to inhibit angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), a process that tumours use to supply themselves with nutrients.
Additionally, some research indicates that quercetin can help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy. For example, it may protect against the cardiotoxicity associated with doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug.
