Evaluation of skeletal muscle relaxant activity of quercetin and chrysin in Albino rats using Rotarod apparatus and actophotometer

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid found abundantly in vegetables and fruits. Chrysin (5, 7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural polyphenol, occurs in many plants, honey, and propolis. Quercetin and chrysin have a blend of many pharmacological activities such as anticarcinogenic, pro-apoptotic, antiangiogenic, antimetastatic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. But there is no scientific evidence regarding the muscle relaxant activity and locomotor activities of selected flavonoids. The present study was planned to evaluate the influence of quercetin and chrysin on muscle relaxant and locomotor activities using experimental animal models. Quercetin and chrysin (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg) was administered to rats and evaluated for muscle relaxant activity using rota-rod apparatus and locomotor activity using actophotometer. The time spent on the rota rod was significantly reduced by chrysin at 20, 40 and 60 mg/kg when compared to saline (control). Quercetin also reduced the time spent but statistically not significant. The positive control, diazepam was found to be more significant (p< 0.001) than the test doses of chrysin. The results of the locomotor activity study indicated that chrysin significantly reduced the locomotion in rats, but quercetin has no significant activity. The results of the present study revealed the chrysin has significant (p< 0.001) and dose dependent muscle relaxant and locomotor depressant activities. Quercetin also reduced the muscle relaxant and locomotor activities but statistically not significant.