Effects of Quercetin on Improving the Damage Caused by Free Radicals in the Rat Models of Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Medicinal herbs have been used for managing various diseases for many years. Quercetin is a member of flavonoid family with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial potential of quercetin in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, EAE was induced in male Wistar rats by guinea pig spinal cord homogenate and complete Freund’s adjuvant. Then, the rats were allocated into three equal groups (n=10). Quercetin administration (10 mg/kg daily) initiated on day 12 post-immunization, when the rats developed a disability score. The brains and blood samples were collected on day 36 and used for next experiments. Results: Quercetin therapy led to a better outcome in EAE rats compared to EAE rat without treatment. Myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide levels in the sera and the lipid peroxidation level in the brain tissues of EAE rats were significantly increased in EAE rats compared to normal control rats (P<0.05). Serum level of uric acid insignificantly decreased in EAE rats compared to normal control rats (P<0.05). Conclusion: It appears that quercetin is a promising strategy to be added to the treatment protocol of MS patients.