Dihydroquercetin Improves Microvascularization and Microcirculation in the Brain Cortex of SHR Rats during the Development of Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

The effects of dihydroquercetin (50 mg/kg intragastrically daily for 6 weeks) on the density of capillary network (mean number of capillaries per mm), mean capillary diameter, structure of capillary network, capillary diameter distribution (<3, 3-5, 5-7, and 7-9 μ), and local cerebral blood flow (by laser Doppler) in the visual cortex were studied in SHR rats during the development of arterial hypertension (from the 6th to the 12th week of life). Normally, the systolic and diastolic BP progressively increased in SHR rats during this period. Dihydroquercetin did not affect the development of arterial hypertension. At the same time, the drug significantly increased the mean diameter of capillaries (by 11%), capillary network density (by 23%), and in the percentage of capillaries with a diameter of 3-9 μ (passable for erythrocytes; by 42%). Positive effects of dihydroquercetin on the structure of microcirculatory bed improved microcirculation: local cerebral blood flow in the visual cortex of SHR rats was significantly higher (by 36%) than in rats receiving no flavonoid and close to the value in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Dihydroquercetin improved microvascularization and microcirculation in the cerebral cortex of SHR rats during the formation of arterial hypertension.

Cell cytotoxity and anti-glycation activity of taxifolin-rich extract from Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi

“…Taxifolin is known to be an anti-oxidative agent [4], and beneficial effects of taxifolin have been reported. Previous reports showed possible beneficial effects of taxifolin using animal models, including improvement of microcirculation [5], hepatoprotective effects [6], anti-viral activity [7], and prevention of diabetic nephropathy [8] as well as cardiomyopathy [9]. Further, in vitro studies demonstrated that taxifolin exhibits anti-bacterial [10], anti-fungal [11], and anti-parasitic [12] effects, and taxifolin inhibits acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes [13].…”

In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation properties of taxifolin-rich extract from the Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi

“…The same genus of larches, the Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii), and the Siberian or Russian larch (Larix sibirica) contain abundant taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) in the xylems [1,2]. Taxifolin is known to be an antioxidant agent [3], and is known for the many beneficial effects of taxifolin, such as improvement of microcirculation [4], hepatoprotective effects [5], anti-viral activity [6], and prevention of diabetic nephropathy [7] as well as diabetic cardiomyopathy [8]. In vitro studies have demonstrated that taxifolin exhibits anti-bacterial [9], anti-fungal [10], and anti-parasitic [11] effects, and also inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes [12].…”

Mechanisms Modified by (−)-Epicatechin and Taxifolin Relevant for the Treatment of Hypertension and Viral Infection: Knowledge from Preclinical Studies

“…On the other hand, a 2-week-long treatment of SHRs with TX (300 µg/kg) failed to reduce BP and ACE activity in the aorta, while the same dose of TX reduced ACE activity in WKY rats [186]. In contrast to EC, TX did not affect the age-dependent development of hypertension in SHRs, but it improved microcirculation of the brain tissue when administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks intragastrically [71].…”