Therapeutic potential of senolytic agent quercetin in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

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#animals #humans #quercetin #senotherapeutics #osteoarthritis

Therapeutic potential of senolytic agent quercetin in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

Yamaura et al., 2023 | Ageing Res Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Yamaura Kohei, Nelson Anna Laura, ... Huard Johnny. Therapeutic potential of senolytic agent quercetin in osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies. Ageing Res Rev. 2023-Sep;90:101989. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2023.101989

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has shown promise as a senolytic agent for various degenerative diseases. Recently, its protective effect against osteoarthritis (OA), a representative age-related disease of the musculoskeletal system, has attracted much attention. The aim of this study is to summarize and analyze the current literature on the effects of quercetin on OA cartilage in in vivo preclinical studies. METHODS: The Medline (via/using PubMed), Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched up to March 10th, 2023. Risk of bias and the qualitative assessment including mechanisms of all eligible studies and a meta-analysis of cartilage histological scores among the applicable studies was performed. RESULTS: A total of 12 in vivo animal studies were included in this systematic review. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on six studies using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system, revealing that quercetin significantly improved OA cartilage OARSI scores (SMD, -6.30 [95% CI, -9.59 to -3.01]; P = 0.0002; heterogeneity: I2 = 86%). The remaining six studies all supported quercetin's protective effects against OA during disease and aging. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin has shown beneficial effects on cartilage during OA across animal species. Future double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of quercetin in the treatment of OA in humans.

Key Findings

A total of 12 in vivo animal studies were included in this systematic review. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed on six studies using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system, revealing that quercetin significantly improved OA cartilage OARSI scores (SMD, -6.30 [95% CI, -9.59 to -3.01]; P = 0.0002; heterogeneity: I2 = 86%). The remaining six studies all supported quercetin's protective effects against OA during disease and aging.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Quercetin
  • Senotherapeutics
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Aging
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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