A comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of quercetin in sepsis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #anti-inflammatory-agents-non-steroidal #antioxidants #dietary-supplements #humans

A comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of quercetin in sepsis

Karimi et al., 2021 | Phytomedicine | Systematic Review

Citation

Karimi Arash, Naeini Fatemeh, ... Tutunchi Helda. A comprehensive systematic review of the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of quercetin in sepsis. Phytomedicine. 2021-Jun;86:153567. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153567

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Several studies have indicated that flavonoids exhibit a wide variety of biological actions including free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Quercetin, one of the most extensively distributed flavonoids in the vegetables and fruits, presents various biological activities including modulation of oxidative stress, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. METHODS: The present systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements. We searched Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to February 2021 by using the relevant keywords. RESULTS: Out of 672 records screened, 35 articles met the study criteria. The evidence reviewed here indicates that quercetin supplementation may exert beneficial effects on sepsis by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress, downregulating the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), modulating the immune response, and alleviating sepsis-related organ dysfunctions. CONCLUSION: Due to the promising therapeutic effects of quercetin on sepsis complications and the lack of clinical trials in this regard, future human randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Key Findings

Out of 672 records screened, 35 articles met the study criteria. The evidence reviewed here indicates that quercetin supplementation may exert beneficial effects on sepsis by attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress, downregulating the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs), modulating the immune response, and alleviating sepsis-related organ dysfunctions.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Quercetin
  • Sepsis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09