Quercetin as a Complementary Therapy in Substance Use Disorder: A Narrative Review

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a pervasive public health concern characterized by compulsive drug use despite adverse consequences. SUD treatment strategies aim to assist addicts in ending their obsessive drug-seeking and consumption. These approaches could be provided in a variety of venues utilizing a range of behavioral and pharmacological techniques. Emerging research explores alternative treatments for SUD, including medicinal plants. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid present in various fruits and vegetables, exhibits promising pharmacological properties. This naturally occurring pharmaceutical component has shown promise as a preventative measure against a wide range of disorders. It shields against neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, and inflammation, offering hope for central nervous system-related disorders. In terms of substance abuse, quercetin shows substantial promise. It demonstrates the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of substances, including methamphetamine, nicotine, morphine, heroin, and alcohol, through various mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective pathways. This review synthesizes recent evidence supporting quercetin as a complementary approach to conventional addiction treatments.