Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of quercetin in ovarian functions.

BACKGROUND

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid abundant in various fruits and vegetables, known for its broad pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic effects. Emerging evidence suggests that quercetin exerts protective roles in a range of ovarian-related reproductive disorders.

PURPOSE

This review aims to comprehensively summarize and critically assess current evidence on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of quercetin in the treatment of ovarian-related reproductive conditions. The goal is to provide a scientific foundation for its prospective clinical applications in female reproductive health.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, covering literature published up to February 2025. The search strategy utilized a combination of keywords-"Quercetin", "Ovarian", "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome", "Premature Ovarian Failure", "Ovarian Dysfunction", "Premature Ovarian Insufficiency", and "Infertility"-combined using Boolean operators (AND, OR).

RESULTS

Quercetin has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in multiple ovarian conditions, including ovarian aging, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage. Mechanistic studies reveal that quercetin modulates several critical biological pathways, particularly those involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and steroid hormone biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

This review underscores the potential of quercetin as a promising therapeutic agent for managing ovarian-related reproductive disorders. Given its diverse biological activities, quercetin may offer significant clinical benefits in female reproductive medicine. Nonetheless, further investigations are warranted to determine its long-term efficacy, optimal dosing strategies, and specific molecular targets across various ovarian pathologies.