Quercetin Hybrids and their Biological Potential

The global rise in infectious diseases poses a significant threat to human health, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents capable of effectively managing these conditions. Molecular hybridization has emerged as a promising strategy for designing bioactive compounds with enhanced efficacy. Quercetin, a naturally abundant flavonoid with a well-defined structural framework, offers multiple modification sites that can be exploited to generate hybrid molecules exhibiting diverse biological activities. This review compiles and analyzes research published between 2005 and 2024, focusing on the role of quercetin-based hybrids in disease management. For each study included, details were extracted on chemical structure, synthesis methodology, type of biological activity evaluated, experimental models used, and principal findings. The information was synthesized qualitatively, with particular emphasis on the relationship between structural modifications and biological effects, as well as the therapeutic relevance of these derivatives. Findings from the reviewed literature highlight that quercetin hybrids can target a broad spectrum of diseases, including infectious, inflammatory, and degenerative conditions, as well as various cancers. Structural tailoring of quercetin not only improves its pharmacological properties but also helps overcome limitations such as poor solubility and bioavailability. These insights provide a rational basis for the design of novel quercetin hybrids with specific biological attributes, positioning them as potent, nature-inspired therapeutic candidates for future drug development.