Beneficial Effects of Quercetin on Obesity and Diabetes

摘要

Scientific research is constantly looking for new molecules that could be used as dietary functional ingredientsin the fight against obesity and diabetes, two pathologies highly prevalent in Western societies. In this context, flavonoidsrepresent a group of molecules of increasing interest. The major flavonoid is Quercetin, which belongs to the class calledflavonols and is mainly found in apples, tea, onions, nuts, berries, cauliflower, cabbage and many other foods. It exhibitsa wide range of biological functions including anticarcenogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral; it also inhibits lipidperoxidation, platelet aggregation and capillary permeability. This review focuses on the main effects of Quercetin onobesity and diabetes. The mechanisms of action explaining the effects of Quercetin on these two metabolic disturbancesare also considered. Good perspectives have been opened for Quercetin, according to the results obtained either incell cultures or in animal models. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to better characterize the mechanisms of actionunderlying the beneficial effects of this flavonoid on these pathologies. Moreover, the body fat-lowering effect andthe improvement of glucose homeostasis need to be confirmed in humans. Animal studies have consistently failed todemonstrate adverse effects caused by Quercetin. In contrast, due to inhibitory effect of Quercetin in cytochrome P450,interactions with drugs can be taken into account when they are administered at the same time than Quercetin.