Quercetin

Biological Activity

Quercetin is an antitumor agent; induces apoptosis and inhibits synthesis of heat shock proteins. Inhibits many enzyme systems including tyrosine protein kinase, phospholipase A₂, phosphodiesterases, mitochondrial ATPase, PI 3-kinase and protein kinase C. Can also activate Ca²⁺ and K⁺ channels and behaves as an agonist at estrogen (GPER) receptors. Blocks cellular entry by influenza A virus via an interaction with hemaglutinin. Inhibits SARS-CoV 3CL^pro (IC₅₀ = 73 μM). Targets and eliminates senescent cells. Orally bioavailable.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. Correlating chemical sensitivity and basal gene expression reveals mechanism of action.
   Rees M, Seashore-Ludlow B, Cheah J, Adams D, Price E, Gill S, Javaid S, Coletti M, Jones V, Bodycombe N, Soule C, Alexander B, Li A, Montgomery P, Kotz J, Hon C, Munoz B, Liefeld T, Dancik V, Haber D, Clish C, Bittker J, Palmer M, Wagner B, Clemons P, Shamji A, Schreiber S
   Nat Chem Biol, 2016;12(2):109-16.
2. High-throughput genotoxicity assay identifies antioxidants as inducers of DNA damage response and cell death.
   Fox JT, Sakamuru S, Huang R
   Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2012;109(14):5423-8.
3. The flavonol quercetin activates basolateral K⁺ channels in rat distal colon epithelium.
   Cermak et al.
   Br.J.Pharmacol., 2002;135:1183
4. The effect of quercetin on the phosphorylation activity of the Rous sarcoma virus transforming gene product in vitro and in vivo.
   Graziani et al.
   J.Biochem., 1983;135:583
5. Tyrosine protein kinase activity in the DMBA-induced rat mammary tumor: inhibition by quercetin.
   Levy et al.
   Biochem.Biophys.Res.Commun., 1984;123:1227
6. Quercetin as a novel activator of L-type Ca²⁺ channels in rat tail artery smooth muscle cells.
   Saponara et al.
   Br.J.Pharmacol., 2002;135:1819
7. Induction of apoptosis by quercetin: involvement of heat shock protein.
   Wei et al.
   Cancer Res., 1994;54:4952
8. Quercetin as an antiviral agent inhibits influenza A virus (IAV) entry.
   Wu et al.
   Viruses, 2015;8:6
9. Flavonoid-mediated inhibition of SARS coronavirus 3C-like protease expressed in Pichia pastoris.
   Nguyen et al.
   Biotechnol.Lett., 2012;34:831

Product Datasheets