Title:Prodrugs of Quercetin and Resveratrol: A Strategy Under Development
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Lucia Biasutto and Mario Zoratti
Affiliation:CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy
Keywords:Absorption, bioavailability, metabolism, prodrugs, quercetin, resveratrol.
Abstract:The biochemical activities of plant flavonoids and stilbenoids point to many health-related applications, hampered however by
a low bioavailability associated with rapid metabolic modification. A possible approach to overcome this obstacle is the development of
prodrugs. In this review we provide some background information and summarize the efforts made so far to obtain suitable precursors of
the two best known model polyphenols belonging to the classes just mentioned, quercetin and resveratrol. Prodrug design needs to take
into account two key aspects: the nature of the chemical bond linking the core molecule to the protecting substituent, and the substituent
itself, which can impart desirable physico-chemical properties. Only recently a systematic study of the several possible combinations has
begun. Most bond systems tested so far appear to be either too stable or too unstable under physiological conditions. A range of substituent
moieties is available, allowing the modulation of properties such as water solubility and the ability to permeate biomembranes. Work so
far has been largely performed in vitro, and more in vivo experiments are definitely needed for a reliable assessment of the potentialities
of the classes of prodrugs produced so far and of those still awaiting creation.
