Quercetin and hematological cancers: where are we and where are we going?

Cancer is recognized as a significant health challenge in the present era. Hematological cancers, including malignant lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, are a group of malignancies associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite efforts by researchers to improve medical knowledge, there still remains a need for efficient and safe therapeutic strategies. Plant-derived natural products have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic options against various diseases including cancer. Quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, possesses anti-neoplastic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. There is increasing evidence suggesting the therapeutic potential of quercetin against hematological neoplasms through different molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as influencing apoptosis and autophagy, angiogenesis, inflammation, and antioxidant system capacity. This review aims to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of action of quercetin against these cancers.