Quercetin and its Role in Skin Disorders

Skin Health

• The biggest organ of the body, the skin, is responsible for safeguarding the body from injury from the outside world. It controls body temperature, keeps the body hydrated, and gives the brain sensory input.

• Skin health is crucial because it shields the body from external aggressors like the sun's UV radiation, which may age the skin and raise the risk of skin cancer.

• Apart from environmental causes, keeping excellent skin health is crucial since it may lead to a variety of skin illnesses, some of which are potentially fatal.

• Skin health is influenced by many variables, such as a healthy diet, enough hydration, sun protection, and abstaining from dangerous chemicals like cigarette smoke and excessive alcohol intake.

• Regular washing with soap and water and other good hygiene practices can support the maintenance of healthy skin.

Skin Disorders

• A dermatologist's regular skin checkups and the use of high-quality skincare products can aid in the early detection of skin issues and diseases.

• Acne vulgaris, one of the most prevalent skin conditions, affects 80% of people throughout their adolescent years.

• The overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands, which causes blocked hair follicles, irritation, and the development of tiny to big pimples, is the cause of acne.

• Although acne is not a skin condition that might endanger life, it can nonetheless be extremely upsetting emotionally and harm confidence and self-esteem.

• Triggers including allergies, stress, and dry weather conditions are among the environmental and genetic elements that contribute to its development [2].

• Avoiding irritants, moisturizing the skin with cream and ointments, and staying away from things that set off flare-ups are the usual steps in managing eczema.

• Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, with more than 3 million non-melanoma cases identified each year. Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age or skin type.

• If untreated, melanoma, the most aggressive variety of skin cancer, can be fatal.

• Skin cancer risk can be decreased by taking preventative steps, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure, covering up with protective clothing, using chemical or physical sunscreens, and having frequent dermatologist skin inspections.

• Keeping your skin in great shape is essential to your entire health and well-being, to sum up. Skin conditions including acne, eczema, and skin cancer can be extremely harmful, but these risks can be reduced with early identification and treatment.

• Consistent self-care routines can lead to healthier skin, including maintaining good hygiene habits, utilizing high-quality skincare products, and scheduling routine dermatologist visits.

• To lower the risk of skin problems and diseases, it is crucial to be initiative-taking about skin health by adopting preventative measures, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure.
  

Quercetin

• The flavonoid group of polyphenols, which are abundantly found in nature and renowned for their antioxidant effects, includes quercetin, a naturally occurring substance.

• Due to its health advantages and function as a potent antioxidant, it has attracted a lot of interest lately.

• The biological aspects of quercetin include its chemistry, sources, and internal metabolism.

• The flavonoid class of chemicals, which are distinguished by their phenolic structure made up of two benzene rings connected by a heterocyclic pyran ring, includes quercetin, which has the chemical formula C15H10O7. There are several distinct forms of quercetin, including quercetin aglycone and several glycoside forms [4].

• Foods frequently include quercetin in the form of glycosides, which are changed into quercetin aglycone in the gut by enzymes referred to as glycosidases and then absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Since quercetin is present in a variety of plant-based foods, it is frequently found in human diets. It can be found in many different fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs, although its concentration is highest in onions, apples, berries, and tea.

• But different foods may have different amounts of quercetin, depending on things like growing conditions, processing, and storage.

• After entering the bloodstream, quercetin undergoes glucuronidation and sulfation in the liver, where it is converted into many metabolites that are eliminated through the urine and feces.

• Due to its limited bioavailability, quercetin is only partially absorbed and circulated throughout the body after being consumed.

• The fact that quercetin and its metabolites might act locally in the gut and other organs does not necessarily lessen the health benefits they provide [5].

• An increasing corpus of scientific research has helped to establish quercetin's health advantages.

• The antioxidant capabilities of quercetin are among its many health advantages.

• Quercetin is an effective antioxidant that can combat free radicals, which are highly reactive chemicals that can harm cells, including DNA, lipids, and proteins, through oxidative damage.

• Quercetin's antioxidant properties may aid in reducing oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases.

• Inflammatory signaling pathways can be modified and pro-inflammatory chemicals like cytokines and enzymes can be produced less effectively when quercetin is present.

• The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of quercetin, as well as its capacity to alter signaling pathways involved in cell growth, survival, and death, may be responsible for these anticancer actions [6].

Role of Quercetin in Skin Disorders

• Different experimental studies have been performed that have shown that quercetin has significant roles in treating skin disorders and improving skin health.

• These studies have shown that quercetin can act by multiple processes based on its properties.

• Some of the major roles of quercetin are discussed here.

Synthesis of Collagen

• Experimental studies have shown that quercetin plays a very crucial role in stimulating the production of collagen which is an important component in skin.

• Doing so, quercetin can help improve the health of the skin and remove wrinkles from it.

• So, quercetin has a significant role in reducing skin wrinkles.

Anti-cancer Roles

• It has been found that quercetin can help treat skin cancers by acting through different processes.

• Quercetin can kill the malignant cells in the skin and reduce tumor growth. So, it can be significant in treating skin cancers.

Anti-inflammatory Role

• Quercetin is known for its role in reducing inflammation throughout the body.

• Different skin impairments such as acne led to inflammation and redness.

• It is found that in bad skin health conditions, quercetin can help reduce inflammation as well as redness and improve the health of the skin [7].

Anti-microbial Roles

• Many skin infections can be dangerous and are caused by microbes such as bacteria or fungi.

• Quercetin is found to have roles in killing these microbes. So, it can help cure these skin infections.

Antioxidant Role

• Quercetin also has a role in reducing oxidative stress in skin cells and protecting them from damage.

• So, quercetin can help in repairing skin damage and curing many skin disorders

Preclinical and Clinical Trials Data

• The safety and efficacy of quercetin in treating skin impairments have been studied through many experimental studies.

• These studies were performed on animal models as well as human patients with different skin disorders.

• Quercetin has always proven significant in treating such impairments of the skin and improving the health of the skin.

• An in vitro study was performed on human skin cells having inflammation. These cells were treated with quercetin for a specific time. Results showed that quercetin inhibited the production of inflammatory chemicals in these cells and reduced inflammation significantly.

• Another study was performed on mice as an animal model and the anti-aging effect of this crucial compound, quercetin, was observed. This mouse was given a quercetin compound and results were observed. It was seen that quercetin stimulated the production of collagen as well as removed wrinkles from the skin making it look younger. So, it has significant outcomes in reducing the aging effects of skin.

• A study was performed on a mice model for dermatitis which is skin impairment. These mice were randomly given either a placebo or quercetin. It was observed that animals treated with quercetin have a significant reduction in inflammation caused by dermatitis and other symptoms were also alleviated.

• Another study was also performed on mice models. They had skin damaged by UV rays. These mice were treated with quercetin for a specific time and then results were seen. It was observed that quercetin reduced oxidative stress as well as repaired the damage caused to skin cells by UV rays. So, quercetin can play a crucial role in improving skin health by repairing damage caused by radiation.

• Similar studies were also performed on human patients with multiple types of skin impairments and the safety and effectiveness of quercetin were observed.

• A study was performed that consisted of women with wrinkled skin. These women were randomly given either a placebo or quercetin supplements. It was observed that the women who were given quercetin had a significant decrease in skin wrinkles and the aging effects were reduced as compared to the control group. So, quercetin has positive outcomes for reducing the aging effects of the skin.

• Another clinical study was performed on patients having Acne vulgaris disorder of the skin. These patients were also randomly given either a placebo or a quercetin compound. It was seen that the patients treated with quercetin have a significant reduction in inflammation on their skin and skin looked more hydrated with all symptoms alleviated as compared to the group that was given a placebo. Moreover, no side effects of quercetin were seen in any of the patients.

• One study was also performed on melasma disorder patients. They were treated with quercetin supplements and significant results were seen. all symptoms in these patients were reduced significantly with no side effects.

• So, from these studies, it can be concluded that quercetin is a promising therapy for improving the health of the skin, reducing aging effects, and curing all types of skin impairments.