Effect of Daflon 500 mg, a flavonoid drug, on neurological signs, levels of free radicals and electroretinogram in the gerbil after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effect of Daflon 500 mg1, purified, micronized flavonoid fraction (90% diosmin, 10% hesperidin) was studied on stroke index, levels of free radicals and electroretinography in the gerbil after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The drug was administered orally at doses of 200, 100 and 50 mg/kg, for 6 days before left carotid occlusion. Daflon 500 mg significantly reversed the increase of stroke index only at the dose of 100 mg/kg and significantly decreased levels of hydroxyl free radicals at all 3 doses with a maximum effectiveness for the dose of 100 mg/kg. Amplitude and latency of the b wave were disturbed after ischemia-reperfusion insult. Daflon 500 mg, 100 mg/kg for 6 days, significantly reversed these modifications. In conclusion, Daflon 500 mg could interact with hydroxyl free radicals, which have a deleterious effect in ischemic tissues, particularly in the retina.