Quercetin Preserves Oral Cavity Health by Mitigating Inflammation and Microbial Dysbiosis

Abstract

Failure to attenuate inflammation coupled with consequent microbiota changes drives the development of bone-destructive periodontitis. Quercetin, a plant-derived polyphenolic flavonoid, has been linked with health benefits in both humans and animals. Using a systematic approach, we investigated the effect of orally delivered Quercetin on host inflammatory response, oral microbial composition and periodontal disease phenotype. In vivo, quercetin supplementation diminished gingival cytokine expression, inflammatory cell infiltrate and alveolar bone loss. Microbiome analyses revealed a healthier oral microbial composition in Quercetin-treated versus vehicle-treated group characterized by reduction in the number of pathogenic species including Enterococcus, Neisseria and Pseudomonas and increase in the number of non-pathogenic Streptococcus sp. and bacterial diversity. In vitro, Quercetin diminished inflammatory cytokine production through modulating NF-κB:A20 axis in human macrophages following challenge with oral bacteria and TLR agonists. Collectively, our findings reveal that Quercetin supplement instigates a balanced periodontal tissue homeostasis through limiting inflammation and fostering an oral cavity microenvironment conducive of symbiotic microbiota associated with health. This proof of concept study provides key evidence for translational studies to improve overall health.

PLA Nanofibers for Microenvironmental-Responsive Quercetin Release in Local Periodontal Treatment

“…Moreover, previous reports have found that quercetin can inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide in vitro and alleviate alveolar bone resorption in in vivo animal models [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Although several studies identify QUE as a promising phytochemical to sustain periodontal tissue health, the poor bioavailability, high metabolic rate, and rapid clearance from body of QUE limit its clinical application [ 18 ]. Therefore, the development of local delivery platforms that would overcome the biopharmaceutical obstacles and avoid systemic clearance of QUE, thereby increasing its therapeutic and prophylactic potential, is still a technological challenge.…”

The role of flavonoids in the treatment of periodontal diseases – literature review

“…[8] suggest that a diet supplemented with the citrus flavonoids eriocitrin or eriodictyol may help prevent periodontitis, providing a potential method of enhancing local immunity and host defence. Mooney EC et al [9] showed that orally-administered quercetin helps maintain the health of periodontal tissues by alleviating inflammation, and promotes the development of symbiotic bacterial flora. This may prove to be an efficient treatment option due to its high tolerability and safety profile, as an inexpensive and feasible long-term supplement in patient populations with chronic diseases, including those prone to periodontal disease.…”

Advance in the pharmacological effects of quercetin in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation related disorders

“…According to previous studies, quercetin has been shown to possess strong antiinflammatory capacity (Mooney et al, 2021;Riemschneider et al, 2021). It exerts antiinflammatory effects on several cell types in both animals and humans (Chen, Zhang, et al, 2020;Fan et al, 2019).…”