EFFECTS OF QUERCETIN ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT IN RATS AND MICE

Intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (6.25-50 mg/kg) significan tly (p < 0.5-0.01) reduced intestinal transit in mice and this effect was antagonized by yohimbine and phentolamine but not by atropine or n aloxone. Quercetin (12.5-50 mg/kg) reduced also (p < 0.05-0.01) intral uminal accumulation of fluid and diarrhoea induced by castor oil and t hese effects were antagonized by yohimbine. Finally quercetin (12.5-50 mg/kg) reduced the area of gastric ulcer but not the number. It is su ggested that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors mediate the effect of querce tin on intestinal motility and secretion.