Antidepressant Activity of Quercetin, a Bioflavonoid, in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Depression is highly prevalent in diabetics and is associated with poor glucose regulation and increased risk of diabetic complications. Identification and effective treatment of comorbid depression are increasingly being considered essential components of clinical care of diabetics. In the present study, the antidepressant activity of quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.), a bioflavonoid, was evaluated using the Porsolt forced swimming-induced behavioral despair test in control and 6-week-streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The effect of quercetin was compared with that of the classical antidepressants fluoxetine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice exhibited prolonged immobility duration during the test as compared with age-matched control mice. Quercetin dose-dependently reduced the immobility period in diabetic mice, and this effect was comparable to that of fluoxetine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Fluoxetine and imipramine significantly lowered the immobility time in naive mice also, but quercetin failed to induce any antidepressant activity in naive mice. The results of our preliminary study indicate that quercetin has the potential to be employed as a therapy for depression associated with diabetes.

Forced swimming test in mice: a review of antidepressant activity

“…Such opportunities arise from the molecular dissection of the biological features of the models (Wong and Licinio 2004). Anjaneyulu et al (2003), Biziere et al (1982), Biziere et al (1985), Bourin et al (1991), Bourin et al (1996), Clenet et al (2001), Cryan et al (2002), Devoize et al (1982), Devoize et al (1984), Eschalier et al (1983), Kato et al (1998), Luttinger et al (1985, Malinge et al (1988), Miura et al (1996), Mogilnicka et al (1987), , Rogoz et al (1999), Scotto di Tella and Mercier (1981), Stenger et al (1987), Szymczyk and ZebrowskaLupina (2000), Zocchi et al (2003). …”

Studies on Anti-Depressant Activity of Four Flavonoids Isolated from <i>Apocynum venetum</i> Linn (Apocynaceae) Leaf in Mice

“…The flavonoids of A. venetum leaf include tamarixetin, kaempferol, quercetin, hyperoside, trifolin, quercetin-3-O-(6"-Omalonyl)-β-D-glucose, kaempferol-3-O-β-Dglucose, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucose, rutin, etc [15,16]. Although it is reported that quercetin and kaempferol have significant anti-depressant activities [17,18], differences in their antidepressant activities as well as possible mechanisms still need further investigation. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to evaluate the differences in the anti-depressant activities of quercetin, quercetin-3-O-β-Dglucose, kaempferol and kaempferol-3-O-β-Dglucose isolated from A. venetum leaf.…”

Flos Albiziae aqueous extract and its active constituent quercetin potentiate the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital via the serotonergic system

“…These results suggest that FAE and QR possess hypnotic effects, which may be mediated by the serotonergic system. Previous studies of FAE and QR have focused on their pharmacological effects, such as inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, antidepressant effects, and antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties (6)(7)(8)(9). The present study suggests that FAE and QR may also offer promise for the treatment of insomnia and diseases that may induce sleep disorders.…”

“…Quercetin [2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one, QR] is a major constituent of the flowers of Flos albiziae (FA) and QR is identified in vegetables, fruits, red wine and other herbal preparations. Pharmacological research on aqueous extracts of FA (FAE) and QR indicate that they have broad bioactivity, such as antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects, anti-infectious and immunomodulatory activities (3), sedative and hypnotic effects (2), the ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (4,5), antidepressant activity (6), and antioxidative and hypolipidemic properties (7)(8)(9)(10). Certain studies have indicated that the antidepressant effects of FAE may be associated with increased plasma serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)], norepinephrine and dopamine via inhibition of uptake (11), indicating that FAE or QR may have functions at the level of the central nervous system and monoamine neurotransmitters.…”