Diet-derived quercetin and its molecular interactions in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Purpose Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Several studies have shown that quercetin supplementation may be effective in the prevention and management of RA. To systematically review and analyze the preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and mechanisms of quercetin in the treatment of RA. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive search was conducted to identify laboratory, animal and human studies investigating the effects of quercetin on RA complications through November 2025. Two independent reviewers assessed studies against inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted data. Findings All studies investigating the effects of quercetin supplementation on RA complications were included. Of the total 1,233 retrieved articles, 50 studies (28 animals, 20 in vitro studies and two RCT) were eligible for the current systematic review. The evidence reviewed here suggests that quercetin supplementation may have beneficial effects on RA complications by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and modulating the immune response. Originality/value Given the promising therapeutic effects of quercetin on complications of RA and the limited number of human studies in this area, further clinical trials are recommended.