Modulation of iron transport, metabolism and reactive oxygen status by quercetin –iron complexes in vitro

ConclusionQuercetin, an exogenous iron chelator, is able to render the cell functionally iron‐deficient which not only provides a therapeutic platform for chelating excess free luminal iron but also may be of use in limiting processes such as cancer‐cell growth, inflammation and bacterial infections, which all require iron. Excess free‐iron is detrimental to health due to its ability to catalyse the formation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Specifically it is implicated in inflammatory conditions, cancer growth and fuelling bacterial infections. Polyphenolic compounds within our diets demonstrate iron‐binding ability. Quercetin has been identified to have both intracellular and extracellular iron chelating potential. Chelation of iron by quercetin renders iron inert, demonstrating the potential of quercetin as a therapeutic iron chelator.
Source: Nahrung / Food - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research