Quercetin Derivatives as Potential Therapeutic Agents: An Updated Perspective on the Treatment of Nicotine-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Flavonoids are the largest group of polyphenols, represented by many compounds that exhibit high anticancer properties. Quercetin (Q) and its main derivatives (rutin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, isorhamnetin, tamarixetin, rhamnetin, and hyperoside) in the class of flavonols have been documented to exert anticancer activity. Q has been shown to be useful in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as demonstrated by in vitro/in vivo studies, due to its antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, and apoptotic properties. Some flavonoids (flavone, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins) have been demonstrated to be effective in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms of quercetin derivatives (QDs) in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment remain unclear. Thus, this review aims to summarize the available literature on the therapeutic effects of QDs in nicotine-induced NSCLC.

The Role of Licorice Chalcones as Molecular Genes and Signaling Pathways Modulator—A Review of Experimental Implications for Nicotine-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

“…Research evidence suggests that licorice-derived flavonoids exert autophagic effects against NSCLC cells in vivo through downregulating the CDK4-cyclin D1 signaling pathway [ 32 ]. Natural flavonoids, including flavones, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and quercetin derived from medicinal plants (e.g., Scutellaria baicalensis , Vaccinium macrocarpon , Myrica rubra , Rhododendron formosanum , Ginkgo biloba , Polygonum aviculare ), are thought to be effective in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment due to their anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic/autophagic properties [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. However, the effects and mechanisms of licorice CHs in nicotine-induced NSCLC treatment remain largely unknown.…”