EFFECTS OF QERCETIN ON SPATIAL WORKING MEMORY ANXIETY RELATED BEHAVIOURS AND HIPPOCAMPUS DENTATE GYRUS HISTOMORPHOLOGY IN MONO-SODIUM GLUTAMATE TREATED RAT

ABSTRACT This study investigates the dose-dependent effects of quercetin on monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced neurotoxicity, anxiety, and metabolic alterations in rodents. Quercetin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, was administered at two doses: 200 mg/kg (Q200) and 400 mg/kg (Q400). Behavioral assays, including the elevated plus maze (EPM), were conducted to assess anxiety-related behavior, while food intake and body weight changes were monitored to evaluate metabolic impacts. Histological analysis of the dentate gyrus was performed to observe quercetin's protective effects against MSG-induced neuronal damage. The results showed that Q200 significantly mitigated MSG-induced hyperphagia, improved body weight, and preserved the structural integrity of the dentate gyrus. In the EPM, the Q200 group showed no significant changes in anxiety-like behavior compared to the control, whereas Q400 exacerbated anxiety, with rats spending less time in the open arms. Histological findings indicated that Q200 provided greater neuroprotection against MSG-induced neuronal loss and structural disorganization in the dentate gyrus compared to Q400. In conclusion, quercetin at 200 mg/kg exhibits significant protective effects against MSG-induced neurotoxicity and metabolic disturbances, while higher doses (Q400) show diminished or adverse outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of dose optimization in the therapeutic use of quercetin for mitigating excitotoxic and metabolic damage.