Molecular targets of quercetin with anti-inflammatory properties in atopic dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
• Multiple signaling pathways may combine to produce pathological changes in AD.
• Quercetin is a potent pleiotropic molecule that regulates multiple pathways.
• Quercetin bioavailability limits its usage in clinical settings.
• Various approaches to improve quercetin pharmacokinetics are addressed.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease. Over the past few decades, AD has become more prevalent worldwide. Quercetin, a naturally occurring polyphenol, shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic activities. Several recent clinical and preclinical findings suggest quercetin as a promising natural treatment for inflammatory skin diseases. Significant progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-AD properties of quercetin has been achieved in the recent years. Here, we discuss the use of quercetin as treatment for AD, with a particular focus on the molecular basis of its effect. We also briefly discuss the approaches to improve the bioavailability of quercetin.