Oral Bioavailability of Quercetin in Horses

Quercetin, one of the most abundant flavonoids in plants, is discussed with respect to health-promoting effects like antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Although most claims regarding biological effects of flavonoids are based on in vitro and ex vivo studies, the use of flavonoid-containing supplements in humans and companion animals has increased in recent years. Flavonoid-containing supplements are also offered for pet and livestock nutrition. However, any systemic effect of a substance within a living subject depends on its bioavailability. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to gain information on the oral bioavailability of quercetin in horses. Four Icelandic horses with a mean body weight (BW) of 315 ± 25 kg (mean ± standard error [SEM]) were fed a test meal (crimped oats 1 g/kg BW) with the addition of quercetin (20 mg/kg BW). Blood samples were collected directly from the jugular vein before and after ingestion of the test meal for 24 hours, and flavonoid content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Quercetin was the main metabolite in plasma with intact flavonol structure after β-glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment of blood samples. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve of quercetin accounted for 88% of total flavonols. Forty-seven percent of the quercetin detected in plasma after ingestion of the test meal was not conjugated. In addition to quercetin, the quercetin derivatives isorhamnetin (methylated) and kaempferol were detected in plasma. Although quercetin is orally bioavailable in horses, similar to other monogastric species, the plasma metabolite pattern differs from those found in species investigated previously (rat, dog, pig, and human).