Emine Okumuş

Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Turkey

Emine Okumuş holds a Ph.D. degree and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Türkiye. Her research focuses on phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and green nanoparticle synthesis, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and biocompatible approaches. She investigates the effects of plant-based bioactive compounds on human health using experimental animal models, aiming to elucidate their biological mechanisms and potential functional applications. In addition, Dr. Okumus conducts research on the valorization of food industry by-products and agricultural wastes, exploring their transformation into value-added ingredients suitable for human consumption. Her interdisciplinary work integrates food engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology to advance sustainable food systems, reduce waste, and develop functional foods and nutraceuticals.

1books edited

1chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Emine Okumuş

Quercetin is more than just a plant pigment; it is a powerful flavonoid with remarkable potential to support human health. Found abundantly in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, quercetin has been widely studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties. Scientific research continues to reveal its role in combating oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and preventing and managing chronic diseases. Quercetin – A Powerful Flavonoid for Better Health offers a comprehensive and science-based exploration of this extraordinary compound. From its chemical structure and natural sources to its biological mechanisms and emerging health applications, this book presents up-to-date knowledge in a clear and engaging manner. Designed for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and health-conscious readers, this book serves as both an educational reference and a practical guide. By combining scientific evidence with real-world relevance, it sheds light on why quercetin has become a key focus in modern nutrition and health research, and why it may play an important role in the future of preventive and functional medicine.

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Quercetin - A Powerful Flavonoid for Better Health

Edited by Emine Okumuş

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A Natural Shield Against Liver Damage: The Pharmacological Role of Quercetin

By Mehmet Ali Temiz and Emine Okumus

The liver is an important organ that participates in the body’s chemical composition regulation, among which are detoxification, energy storage, and protein and lipid metabolism activities. These functions are important for metabolic control. Nevertheless, several other causes, including poisoning agents, drugs, and alcohol abuse, among others, might disrupt the structural and functional homeostasis of the liver, resulting in hepatotoxicity. The underlying pathophysiological pathways in this condition are oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Plant bioactive compounds have been considered as protective agents for the liver in recent years. Quercetin, a flavonoid polyphenol, is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Several experimental studies have shown that quercetin has the potential to lower oxidative stress by scavenging ROS. It was demonstrated to activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibit the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response. Additionally, quercetin has been shown to alleviate fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Quercetin has also been determined to reduce apoptosis, support mitochondrial function, and restore liver enzyme levels to control levels. The poor bioavailability of quercetin limits its pharmacological potential. Therefore, new strategies such as nanoformulations, phospholipid complexes, and combination therapy are being researched to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of this compound. The present results support the multipotent hepatoprotective potential of quercetin. Quercetin has demonstrated a favorable safety and toxicological profile in both preclinical and clinical settings. Daily doses of up to 1000–1200 mg have been shown to be well-tolerated in humans, with only mild and transient adverse effects reported. More long-term controlled human studies, however, would be needed to assess its clinical effects and side effects. In this chapter, available information on the protective potential of quercetin against liver injury is discussed based on the state of the art and as a basis for future research.

Part of the book: Quercetin

Emine Okumuş

Latest work with IntechOpen by Emine Okumuş

Quercetin - A Powerful Flavonoid for Better Health

Chapters authored

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