Quercetin, a main flavonoid in onion, inhibits the PGF2α-induced uterine contraction in vitro and in vivo

• Ca2+-dependent uterine contractions were inhibited by quercetin.
• Quercetin reduced the PGF2α-elicited Ca2+ responses in human uterine smooth muscle cells.
• Quercetin was able to block Ca2+ influx through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in plasma membrane.
• Quercetin reduces PGF2α-induced contractions in rat in vivo.

Dysmenorrhoea is considered to be caused by excessive levels of prostaglandins, which stimulate abnormal uterine contractions. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of quercetin that is a main flavonoid in onion on uterine contractility and its possible underlying mechanisms. In vitro and in vivo contractile activities of the uteri were determined using uterine horns isolated from adult rats. The results indicated that (1) for contractions induced by PGF2α-, oxytocin-, and carbachol, quercetin showed the most potent suppressing effect among the tested flavonoids; (2) Ca2+-dependent uterine contractions were inhibited by quercetin; (3) quercetin reduced the PGF2α-elicited Ca2+ responses in human uterine smooth muscle cells; (4) quercetin inhibited uterine contractions stimulated by Ca2+ channel activator and depolarisation in response to high K+; (5) quercetin was able to block Ca2+ influx through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in plasma membrane; and (6) quercetin effectively reduced PGF2α-induced contractions through the administration of increasing doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg in rats. The present findings suggest that onion's major active compound, quercetin, may be a potential adjuvant for treating uterine disorders.