INVESTIGATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF QUERCETIN AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTICANCER DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS BASED ON ITS DERIVATIVES.

Abstract

Quercetin (QUE), a natural bioflavonoid belonging to the flavonol subclass, is widely distributed in plants and is well known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, its poor aqueous solubility, rapid metabolism, and low stability significantly limit its clinical applications. Therefore, summarizing recent studies focused on nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems that enhance the bioavailability of quercetin is of great scientific and pharmaceutical relevance. Complexes formed between quercetin and cyclodextrins (α-, β-, and γ-CD) have been shown to remarkably improve its solubility, bioavailability, and thermal stability [1,2]. Binding with α-CD occurs mainly through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, while β-CD, due to its larger cavity, can encapsulate larger molecular structures, thereby enhancing the anticancer efficacy of quercetin [3].