Quercetin directly promotes rabbit ovarian steroidogenesis

Abstract

The bioflavonoid quercetin is a component of food with numerous biological effects, but its function in reproductive processes remains to be investigated. This study aimed to examine the direct action of quercetin on steroid hormone release in rabbit ovaries. We analysed the effect of quercetin (0, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL) on cultured rabbit ovarian fragments. The release of progesterone (P4), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were analysed by enzyme immunoassay. Quercetin promoted P4, T, and E2 release by rabbit ovarian fragments. These observations indicate that quercetin can directly stimulate rabbit ovarian steroidogenesis - an essential regulator of reproduction and fecundity. The application of dietary quercetin for control of rabbit reproduction is discussed.