Natural Quercetin Derivatives: Structures and Biological Activities Based on Enzyme Inhibition

Abstract

Enzymes, as proteins that regulate various metabolic processes within the human body, play a crucial role in maintaining health. However, the overexpression of certain enzymes can disrupt metabolic balance, leading to various diseases. Enzyme inhibitors are vital in treating these diseases or conditions by inhibiting the action of these enzymes, making them indispensable in the development of effective therapies for a wide array of diseases. Quercetin, a natural product derived from plants, is a type of flavonoid that belongs to the polyphenol family. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid from the polyphenol family, has emerged as a potent enzyme inhibitor. This low-molecular-weight secondary metabolite is known for its inhibitory effects on enzymes such as α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, bacterial neuraminidase, and xanthine oxidase due to its structural advantages. Quercetin is isolated from biomaterials and can be classified into glycosylated, methoxylated, and alkylated derivatives based on its structural variations. These natural quercetin derivatives possess unique substituents that enable specific binding patterns with catalytic residues in enzyme active sites. Therefore, quercetin derivatives can be expected to have better enzyme inhibitory activity than basic quercetin. Due to their specificity and enhanced activity, quercetin and its derivatives hold promise as candidates for developing potent enzyme inhibitors to treat diseases resulting from enzyme imbalances.