Abstract
Concentrations of quercetin in fish tissues were measured for the first time using HPLC-electrochemical detection method. Its identity was also ascertained with UV-photodiode array detection. Quercetin, in aglycone form, was at measurable concentrations in tilapia plasma, liver, and whole body homogenate when fed with diets containing 1% quercetin (aglycone) for 1 or 15 weeks. Hydrolysis with glucuronidase/sulfatase treatment for the purpose of cleaving conjugates did not increase quercetin levels, suggesting that glucoronide or sulfate conjugates are not the major metabolic forms in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). No quercetin was detected in plasma of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) or white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) fed commercial diets. The results suggest that quercetin is absorbed in tilapia and that this flavonoid is deposited mainly in aglycone form in the body after absorption.
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Acknowledgments
Part of this paper was prepared with support from the Pond Dynamics/Aquaculture Collaborative Research Support Program (PD/A CRSP), funded by USAID Grant No. LAG-G-00-96-90015-00 and by contributions from the participating institutions. The Aquaculture CRSP accession number is 1290. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Agency of International Development. Part of this paper was also funded by the United States Department of Agriculture-Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Research Initiative (USDA-CSREES NRI) Grant No. 2003-35206-12858.
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Park, K.H., de Oca, G.A.RM., Bonello, P. et al. Determination of quercetin concentrations in fish tissues after feeding quercetin-containing diets. Aquacult Int 17, 537–544 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9222-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-008-9222-6