Neuroprotective effects of onion extract and quercetin against ischemic neuronal damage in the gerbil hippocampus.
Onion has several well-known biological functionalities, including antioxidant effects, and contains quercetin (3,3',4,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), a powerful antioxidant. In the present study, we observed neuroprotective effects of onion extract (OE) and its major component, quercetin, on ischemic damage in the gerbil hippocampus, which is related to memory function. Repeated treatment with 100 mg/kg OE and 20 mg/kg quercetin for 15 days before ischemic surgery protected pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA1 region from ischemic damage. In the OE-treated ischemic group, gliosis (activation of astrocytes and microglia) was attenuated in the CA1 4 days after ischemia/reperfusion. In addition, treatment with OE and quercetin decreased protein levels of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (a marker for lipid peroxidation) in the ischemic CA1. We suggest that repeated administration of OE and quercetin can protect against neuronal damage from transient cerebral ischemia.
Hwang
In Koo
IK
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Program for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Choong Hyun
CH
Yoo
Ki-Yeon
KY
Choi
Jung Hoon
JH
Park
Ok Kyu
OK
Lim
Soon Sung
SS
Kang
Il-Jun
IJ
Kwon
Dae Young
DY
Park
Jinseu
J
Yi
Jae-Seon
JS
Bae
Young-Soo
YS
Won
Moo-Ho
MH
D000447:Aldehydes / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D056547:CA1 Region, Hippocampal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005849:Gerbillinae; D005911:Gliosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019697:Onions / Q000737:chemistry*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011794:Quercetin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000447:Aldehydes; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011794:Quercetin; C027576:4-hydroxy-2-nonenal