Preparation and Valuation of Capsules Containing Quercetin Phytosome for Hepatoprotective Activity

Abstract

Quercetin is a well-known flavonoid with different biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. However, this active ingredient was not applied broadly in clinical treatment due to the limitation of solubility, stability, and low oral bioavailability. To overcome this limitation, phytosome quercetin was prepared to enhance quercetin's physicochemical properties and permeability. In the study, prepared phytosome complexes were applied in capsules and evaluated hepatoprotective activity. The study found the optimal formula of capsules containing quercetin phytosome with the active ingredient content of 50 mg that dissolved over 90% of quercetin after 45 minutes. The results of the evaluation of the hepatoprotective activity of the prepared capsules in mice also initially demonstrated that the quercetin phytosome capsules had superior hepatoprotection compared to those containing free quercetin.