Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: A Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#quercetin #hypoxia-ischemia-brain #neuroprotective-agents #animals #rats

Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: A Meta-analysis

Can et al., 2025 | Am J Perinatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Can Ceren, Hamilçıkan Şahin. Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: A Meta-analysis. Am J Perinatol. 2025-Dec;42(16):2203-2208. doi:10.1055/a-2578-1875

Abstract

This study assesses the neuroprotective potential of quercetin in preclinical models of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) and its role as a possible enhancer of therapeutic hypothermia.A systematic review of 8 preclinical studies was conducted per PRISMA guidelines, sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a random-effects meta-analysis.Quercetin significantly lowered infarct volume, seizure susceptibility, and inflammation (pooled standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.58; p < 0.001). Higher doses (>30 mg/kg, SMD = 1.65) and intraperitoneal (IP) administration (SMD = 1.42) outperformed lower doses or intravenous (IV) routes (SMD = 0.95). Rat models showed greater benefits (SMD = 1.38) than piglets (SMD = 0.85). Moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 45%) was noted, but sensitivity analysis confirmed robustness (SMD = 1.20). Publication bias was minimal (p = 0.12).Quercetin offers notable neuroprotection in neonatal HIBI, with an optimal 40 mg/kg IP dose, suggesting it could complement hypothermia. Limited bioavailability and lack of long-term data call for further research in advanced models. · Quercetin improves outcomes in neonatal HIBI.. · IP route shows greater efficacy.. · Higher doses (>30 mg/kg) are more effective.. · Meta-analysis confirms significant benefit (SMD = 1.29).. · Bioavailability remains a key translational barrier..

Key Findings

· Bioavailability remains a key translational barrier..

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • Quercetin
  • Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Animals
  • Rats
  • Hypothermia, Induced
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Swine
  • Humans

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09