Quercetin Increases Brain and Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis and

Exercise Tolerance

J. Mark Davis, E .Angela Murphy, Martin D. Carmichael

Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol.2009.

Quercetin is one of a broad group of natural polyphenolic flavonoid substances that are being

investigated for their widespread health benefits. These benefits have generally been ascribed

to its combination of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but recent in vitro evidence

suggests that improved mitochondrial biogenesis could play an important role.

However, the in vivo effects of quercetin on mitochondrial biogenesis exercise tolerance are

unknown. We examined the effects of 7-days of quercetin feedings in mice on markers of

mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and brain, and on endurance exercise tolerance.

Mice were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: placebo, quercetin 12.5mg/Kg,

or quercetin 25mg/Kg. Following 7 days of treatment mice were sacrificed and soleus muscle

and brain were analyzed for mRNA expression of PGC-1

cytochrome c. Additional mice underwent a treadmill performance run to fatigue or were

placed in voluntary activity wheel-cages and their voluntary activity (distance, time &

peakspeed) was recorded. Quercetin increased mRNA expression of PGC-1

(P<0.05), mtDNA (P<0.05) and cytochrome c concentration (P<0.05). These changes in

mitochondrial capacity were associated with an increase in both maximal endurance capacity

(P<0.05) and voluntary wheel running activity (P<0.05). These benefits of querectin may have

important implications for enhancement of athletic and military performance and if clinically

translated may even extend to prevention and/or treatment of various chronic diseases

characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and inactivity.