Effect of a quercetin microemulsion on anxiety markers in male NMRI mice.

摘要

Quercetin a plant flavonoid, has structural similarities with benzodiazepine clonazepam modulators of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA) receptors. Groups of 8 male NMRI mice each were given 100, 200, 400 mg/kg quercetin microemulsion intraperitoneally (IP) 30 minutes before behavioral evaluation by elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field tests. Controls were given 10ml/kg micro-emulsion or 1mg/kg diazepam IP. Mice given quercetin spent more time entry in open arms of EPM increasing at 100, 200and 400 mg/kg (p<0.05). Increase in time and entry in EPM test induced by quercetin was inhibited by 3mg/kg Flumazenil IP. In the open-field test, no changes were seen in the locomotor activity in any dose of quercetin compared with micro-emulsion vehicle controls. Results suggested that 200mg/kg quercetin may induce anxiolytic effects similar to diazepam possibly by binding to GABA receptors.