Investigating the Effect of Quercetin on Disease Progression and Recovery Process in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE's) Rats

Background: It is now known that quercetin, a plant flavonoid, exerts numerous biological roles, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant activity, and it also promotes the differentiation of neuronal precursor cells. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the administration of quercetin is able to impede the progression of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats and incite neuronal repair in damaged areas. In order to induce EAE, an equal ratio of the spinal cord of guinea pig (as homogenate) and complete freunds adjuvant (CFA) was prepared. Then, 30 rats were assigned to three groups of ES (induced by EAE and treated with normal saline), EQI (induced by EAE and treated with Injectable quercetin), and EQO (induced by EAE and treated with quercetin orally) groups. Treatment started on the day after the onset of the disease and continued until the 21st day. The weight and clinical symptoms of rats were monitored daily, and the obtained data were statistically analysed. Results: The results showed that quercetin had a positive effect on disease progression and enhanced recovery. In addition, the injectable form of quercetin was more effective than the oral one. Conclusion: Based on the previous findings about the anti-oxidative and regenerative effects (proliferation and differentiation) of quercetin, this finding was confirmed. In addition, the effects of injectable quercetin are significant.