Since flavonols are antioxidant agents, they could in principle, beneficially affect neurodegenerative diseases
where reactive oxygen species are involved. Quercetin derivatives are the most abundant dietary
flavonoids, and we have investigated the capacity of quercetin-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (Q3G) isolated
from Echinophora cinerea to protect PC12 cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity. Direct cytotoxic effects
of H2O2 on PC12 in presence and absence of Q3G were evaluated. H2O2 induced cytotoxicity in a concentration
dependent manner (IC50 = 118 ± 5.09 lM, 24 h). Pretreatment of cells with non-toxic concentrations
of Q3G protected cells from H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, leading to a decrease in the generation of
reactive oxygen species. These observations qualify Q3G as an interesting dietary compound worth further
investigation as a cytoprotective agent.
