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.