Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin: Mitigating neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation is a complex process involving the activation of glial cells and the release of inflammatory mediators in the central nervous system (CNS). Chronic neuroinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Quercetin, a flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has shown promise in mitigating neuroinflammation. Recent research has highlighted the role of microbial-assisted metabolism in enhancing the therapeutic potential of quercetin. This review explores the mechanisms underlying quercetin's anti-neuroinflammatory effects, with a focus on its modulation by gut microbiota. We discuss how microbial-assisted metabolism of quercetin can influence its bioavailability, metabolism, and efficacy in neuroinflammation. Additionally, we examine the potential synergistic effects of quercetin and microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in modulating neuroinflammation. Understanding the interplay between quercetin and the gut microbiota may offer novel therapeutic strategies for neuroinflammatory disorders.