Quercetin and Its Derivatives: Therapeutic Potential in Combating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress for Enhanced Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract: Diabetic wounds are characterized by delayed healing due to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, driven by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and excessive Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These disrupt key processes such as angiogen-esis and collagen synthesis, essential for wound repair. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, has demon-strated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising therapeutic for diabetic wound management. It inhibits NF-κB signalling, reducing inflammatory mediators, while boosting antioxidant enzymes like Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT), thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Quercetin also enhances fibroblast and keratinocyte prolifer-ation and promotes extracellular matrix deposition, crucial for tissue repair. Recent advancements in nanocarrier systems, including liposomes and hydrogels, have improved quercetin’s bioavail-ability and targeted delivery to wounds, increasing its efficacy. Future research should focus on refining delivery methods and conducting comprehensive clinical trials to establish quercetin's clinical utility. Despite these challenges, quercetin offers significant potential as a natural agent in promoting diabetic wound healing by targeting inflammation and oxidative stress.