Quercetin Role in Mitigating Insulin Resistance Mediated Anxiety in a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet Animal Model
1, 1, 1, 1, 1
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Prem Kumar Nanjundan
Department of Pharmacology, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, INDIA.
Volume 60, Issue 5 (KrupaPharmaCon 2026) · pp. 123-132 · 2026 · DOI: 10.5530/ijper.krupapharmacon.29
ABSTRACT
Background: Unhealthy dietary patterns, particularly high-fat high-fructose diets, are closely linked to metabolic conditions (resistance to insulin) that may lead to anxiety-related behaviors and neuro inflammation. A dietary bioflavonoid, Quercetin possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may provide protective action against such complications.Objectives: To discover the potential of quercetin in reducing metabolic changes in an HFHFrD animal model in turn ameliorating HFHFrD mediated anxiety.Materials and Methods: Rats were fed with HFHFrD for the induction of insulin resistance. 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of quercetin and metformine respectively were evaluated in relation to insulin resistance mediated behavioral changes (anxiety). Behavioral parameters, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines were determined.Results: Rats administered with HFHFrD showed signs of oxidative stress, insulin resistance, lipid imbalance, neuroinflammation, and anxiety-related behavior. Treatment with quercetin and metformin significantly postponed the symptoms of anxiety by showing evident changes in neurobehavior and biochemical parameters.Conclusion: Quercetin can be used a preventive therapy in anxiety like disorders by reducing neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, behavioural alterations and insulin related biochemical changes.
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Reddy, K. P., Nanjundan, P. K., R, S. K., Boruah, G., & Chhetri, P. (2026). Quercetin Role in Mitigating Insulin Resistance Mediated Anxiety in a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet Animal Model. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 60(5), 123-132. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.krupapharmacon.29
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