Quercetin shows potential in inhibiting lung cancer cell migration

Researchers at the University Hospital Erlangen have discovered that quercetin, a natural flavonoid found in foods like citrus, onions, and buckwheat, may significantly impact lung cancer progression. The study, published in Cell Death Discovery, utilized human lung cancer cell lines, mouse lung tissue, and live mouse models to observe the compound's effects.

A primary finding was the compound's ability to inhibit cell migration, a critical process in metastasis. Lead author Christine Carvalho noted that at the highest doses, cell migration almost completely ceased. Additionally, quercetin slowed cancer cell division and reduced oxidative stress in certain cell types.

The study highlighted that quercetin acts multi-directionally, unlike many targeted therapies that focus on a single molecule. It was observed to decrease the expression of two key proteins: EGFR, which transmits growth signals, and PD-L1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. In mouse models, researchers also observed changes in the gut microbiome and a reduction in tumor foci.