1. As a reactive hydrogen donor: Quercetin can remove free radicals by providing hydrogen atoms, thereby reducing oxidative stress.
2. Affecting glutathione (GSH) levels: Quercetin can regulate the level of intracellular GSH, which is an important antioxidant in cells and helps neutralize free radicals.
3. Regulating signal transduction pathways: Quercetin can activate or inhibit a variety of signal transduction pathways, such as MAPK, NRFB, AMPK, etc., which are closely related to the antioxidant defense capacity of cells.
4. Affecting enzyme activity: Quercetin can affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of cells.
5. Directly remove reactive oxygen species (ROS): Quercetin can directly react with ROS and reduce its damage to cells.
6. Anti-inflammatory effect: Quercetin reduces inflammatory response by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and the release of cytokines. Inflammatory response is closely related to oxidative stress.
7. Protect cell membranes: Quercetin can protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and maintain the integrity and function of cell membranes.
8. Promote DNA repair: Quercetin can promote the repair of damaged DNA and reduce gene mutations caused by oxidative stress.
These mechanisms of action of quercetin make it potentially useful in the prevention and treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress.