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Liver fibrosis is a major global health concern, developing as a result of chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Current treatment options are largely supportive, with no widely available therapies that directly target fibrosis. Research suggests that metabolic imbalances, particularly in glycolysis—the process by which cells generate energy—play a key role in disease progression. Identifying treatments that can disrupt these pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies. One emerging approach involves targeting liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) glycolysis, which has been linked to inflammation and fibrosis. Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, has attracted attention for its anti-inflammatory...

For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), treatment with diosmin—a flavonoid supplement derived from citrus fruits—reduced swelling of the knee and leg and some measures of associated pain can be achieved, reports a clinical trial. Swelling is a common problem in patients undergoing TKA, and one that contributes to pain and patient dissatisfaction. Currently, there are no effective medication choices to reduce swelling after TKA. Diosmin—often in combination with a related flavonoid called hesperidin—has been used to reduce swelling of the limbs in patients with venous disorders. The exploratory study included 330 patients undergoing TKA at 13 university-affiliated hospitals. Patients...

Eating plant-based foods that contain dietary compounds called flavonols can lower your chances of developing frailty. Foods like apples and blackberries that contain flavonoids called quercetin may be the most important for frailty prevention. Approximately 10% to 15% of older adults experience frailty, a geriatric syndrome that leads to a greater risk of falls, fractures, disability, hospitalization, and mortality. "There may be some validity to the old saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor (or frailty) away," said the authors. "Our findings suggest that for every 10 mg higher intake of flavonols per day, the odds of frailty were...

Hopkins study shows combination of curcumin and quercetin greatly reduces size and number of colorectal polyps A small but informative clinical trial by Johns Hopkins investigators shows that a pill combining chemicals found in turmeric, a spice used in curries, and onions reduces both the size and number of precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract. In the study, published in the August issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, five patients with an inherited form of precancerous polyps in the lower bowel known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were treated with regular doses of curcumin (the chemical found in turmeric)...