Effect of quercetin on the growth of mouse fibroblast cells in vitro.

The cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of quercetin was investigated on mouse fibroblast cells (NCTC) in vitro. Quercetin caused partial growth inhibition when used in the concentration of 10 micrograms/ml and almost complete growth inhibition, when it was applied in the concentration of 50 micrograms/ml. The decrease of cell proteins content as well as the reduction of mitotic index were used as indicators of growth inhibition. Moreover, quercetin influenced the course of mitosis in the cell. An increase in the number of cells in telophase as well as elevation of the number of giant and multinuclear cells were observed in the cultures with quercetin. The effect of quercetin on proliferation of cells depended on the concentration and the time of cell exposure to the compound. On the basis of these results it can be concluded, that mechanism of quercetin action at the cell level is complex. It could be associated with disturbances of cell division due to effect of quercetin on proteins, DNA and cytomembranes.