FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF QUERCETIN HYDROGEL FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION

Abstract

This article reviews quercetin as a topical cream. Quercetin is a natural compound that has been used as a skin cream due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and healing effects. In this study, the authors examined the developement of a creams that contains quercetin, which can be delivered to the skin through a gel, created with a gelling agent, such as Carbopol, and a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), that enhance the topical delivery of quercetin. The prepared formulations were examined for their pH, viscosity, spreadability, content uniformity, and rheological properties. The formulations underwent in vitro release testing using Franz diffusion cells and studied for dermal penetration into the skin.The authors found that the optimized formulation has a pH of 6.5-6.8, a viscosity of 8000-12000 cps, excellent spreadability, and has no drug/polymer interaction confirmed through FTIR and DSC methods. The in vitro release study demonstrates sustained release of quercetin drug for 8 hours with 75-85% of drug release. Dermal Penetration Studies demonstrate that quercetin was retained in the skin layers significantly longer than with the conventional formulations.The quercetin hydrogel formulation reported here presents advantageous physicochemical characteristics and allows for improved topical application for inflammatory skin conditions and wound healing.