FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF LIPOSOME CONTAINING QUERCETIN HAVING ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a liposomal drug delivery system containing Quercetin to enhance its anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is a flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, but its use is limited by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. Liposomes, which are spherical phospholipid bilayer vesicles, were used to address these issues by improving the stability, solubility, and pharmacokinetics of Quercetin. The liposomes were prepared using the thin film method with Quercetin, soy lecithin, cholesterol, and chloroform-methanol. The final formulation was evaluated for several parameters, including pH, particle size, zeta potential, and solubility. The optimized liposome batch had a pH of 6.40, a particle size of 168.1 nm, and a zeta potential of -14.9 mV. The particle size suggests a nanoscale formulation suitable for enhanced skin absorption, while the zeta potential indicates moderate colloidal stability. In vitro studies demonstrated the formulation's therapeutic potential. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the inhibition of protein denaturation, with the liposomal formulation showing 61.7% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, which is comparable to the 72.29% inhibition by the standard drug, Diclofenac sodium. The in vitro dissolution study confirmed a sustained release profile, and stability studies showed the formulation remained stable for one month under accelerated conditions, adhering to ICH guidelines. These results indicate that the Quercetin-loaded liposomal formulation is a promising strategy for delivering the compound with improved therapeutic efficacy and stability.