Laboratory of Food and Physiological Sciences, Department of Life and Food Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Azabu University, 1-17-71, Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara 252-5201, Kanagawa, Japan.
Molecules. 2024 Aug 21;29(16):3957. doi: 10.3390/molecules29163957.
Although phytochemicals are plant-derived toxins that are primarily produced as a form of defense against insects or microbes, several lines of study have demonstrated that the phytochemical, quercetin, has several beneficial biological actions for human health, including antioxidant and inflammatory effects without side effects. Quercetin is a flavonoid that is widely found in fruits and vegetables. Since recent studies have demonstrated that quercetin can modulate neuronal excitability in the nervous system, including nociceptive sensory transmission via mechanoreceptors and voltage-gated ion channels, and inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2-cascade, it is possible that quercetin could be a complementary alternative medicine candidate; specifically, a therapeutic agent against nociceptive and pathological pain. The focus of this review is to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of quercetin on nociceptive neuronal activity under nociceptive and pathological conditions, without inducing side effects. Based on the results of our previous research on trigeminal pain, we have confirmed in vivo that the phytochemical, quercetin, demonstrates a local anesthetic effect on nociceptive pain, a local anesthetic effect on pain related to acute inflammation, and an anti-inflammatory effect on chronic pain. In addition, we discuss the contribution of quercetin to the relief of nociceptive and inflammatory pain and its potential clinical application.
虽然植物化学物质是植物来源的毒素，主要作为抵御昆虫或微生物的一种形式产生，但有几条研究路线表明，植物化学物质槲皮素对人类健康具有多种有益的生物学作用，包括抗氧化和抗炎作用，且没有副作用。槲皮素是一种广泛存在于水果和蔬菜中的类黄酮。由于最近的研究表明，槲皮素可以调节神经系统中的神经元兴奋性，包括通过机械感受器和电压门控离子通道的伤害性感觉传递，以及抑制环氧化酶-2 级联，因此槲皮素可能是一种补充替代医学候选物；特别是一种针对伤害性和病理性疼痛的治疗剂。本综述的重点是阐明在伤害性和病理性条件下，槲皮素对伤害性神经元活动的调节作用的神经生理学机制，而不会引起副作用。基于我们之前关于三叉神经痛的研究结果，我们已经在体内证实，植物化学物质槲皮素有以下作用：对伤害性疼痛具有局部麻醉作用、对急性炎症相关疼痛具有局部麻醉作用、对慢性疼痛具有抗炎作用。此外，我们还讨论了槲皮素对缓解伤害性和炎症性疼痛的贡献及其潜在的临床应用。
