Evidence supporting the use of: Quercetin
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid present in many fruits and vegetables, and it has attracted scientific interest for its potential role in the management of diabetic retinopathy. Several preclinical studies have indicated that quercetin may exert protective effects on retinal cells through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In animal models of diabetic retinopathy, quercetin supplementation has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, inhibit the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and protect retinal microvasculature from damage associated with chronic hyperglycemia. Additionally, in vitro studies suggest that quercetin can inhibit pathways involved in the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier and reduce the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are implicated in diabetic retinal damage.

However, clinical evidence in humans is currently very limited. There are only a few small-scale or pilot clinical trials investigating quercetin supplementation in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and results are preliminary. Most of the available data derive from animal and cell culture studies, which, while promising, do not yet provide robust evidence for its efficacy or safety in humans. Therefore, while the theoretical and experimental basis for quercetin’s use in diabetic retinopathy is scientifically reasonable, strong clinical validation is lacking. More high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are required before quercetin can be recommended as a standard adjunct therapy for diabetic retinopathy.

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