Formulation and evaluation of quercetin in certain dermatological preparations

Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid widely used as a health supplement. Quercetin was formulated in different dermatological preparations as gel, emulgel and microemulsion gel. Different gel bases were used for the preparation of quercetin gel as sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), Carbopol 934 and Pluronic F-127. Also different formulae of both emulgel and microemulsion gel were prepared using different gel bases and surfactants. These formulations were evaluated for their drug content, in vitro release of the drug from cellophane membrane and skin permeability through hairless mouse skin. The antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative organisms was also studied. The results of the drug release indicated that the highest release was obtained from the microemulsion gel followed by gel and emulgel, respectively. The same results were obtained for drug penetration through hairless mouse skin. Analysis of the data according to different kinetic mechanisms revealed that the release pattern of the drug from the tested bases followed zero-order and the Higuchi diffusion model. Results also indicated an excellent activity against all tested organisms and the inhibition zone was dependent on the type of formulation used.