Quercetin liposomes via nasal administration reduce anxiety and depression-like behaviors and enhance cognitive performances in rats

Abstract

At present, the prevalence of neuropsychological disorders particularly anxiety, depression and dementia are increase. Many strategies have been developed in order to increase the efficiency of treatment and decrease side effects. Oxidative stress has been reported to play an important role on various path physiological states. Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables. It has potent antioxidant effects in vivo and in vitro. However, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and limited ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier are obstacles to its use for treatment of neuropsychological disorders. Nasal administration has been proposed as a non invasive method to deliver bioactive substances to the brain. This route of administration has the potential of decreased hepatic metabolism and greater access to the brain tissue through the olfactory nerve compared to the oral route and could be a potential method of delivering quercetin to the CNS. © 2010 Science Publications.