The role of quercetin in plants

Flavonoids are a special category of hydroxylated phenolic compounds having an aromatic ring structure. Quercetin is aspecial subclass of flavonoid. It is a bioactive natural compound built upon the flavon structure nC6 (ring A)-C3(ring C)-C6(ring B). Quercetin facilitates several plant physiological processes, such as seed germination, pollen growth, antioxidant machinery, and photosynthesis, as well as induces proper plant growth and development. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant, so it potently provides plant tolerance against several biotic and abiotic stresses. This review highlights quercetin's role in increasing several physiological and biochemical processes under stress and non-stress environments. Additionally, this review briefly assesses quercetin's role in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., salt, heavy metal, and UV stress). The biosynthesis of flavonoids, their signaling pathways, and quercetin's role in plant signaling are also discussed.

Automated summary

Flavonoids are a special category of hydroxylated phenolic compounds with an aromatic ring structure, and quercetin is a subclass known for its bioactive properties in promoting plant physiological processes and antioxidant functions. Quercetin plays a crucial role in enhancing various physiological and biochemical processes in plants under stress and non-stress conditions, while also showing potential in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses such as salt, heavy metal, and UV stress. Additionally, the biosynthesis of flavonoids, their signaling pathways, and quercetin's involvement in plant signaling are discussed in this review.