The effect of topical quercetin loaded liposome on pressure ulcer healing in rats

Quercetin antioxidant properties play an important role in various fields of health. However, its use has been limited because of several disadvantages such as very low solubility in water and high instability in the presence of air, light and heat. Encapsulation of quercetin in nanostructure systems such as liposome may lead to decrease the adverse effects and protect this molecule against degradation. Pressure ulcer could be one of the reasons for death in patients who have been in a state of immobility for a long time. The aim of this study was prepare and in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of liposomes for topical delivery of quercetin to improve the pressure ulcers.Liposomal formulations were prepared by fusion method and characterized. The penetration and amount of drug retained in mouse skin after 8 hours determined. Also microscopic and macroscopic examination of laboratory animals was performed to evaluate the effect of formulations on healing of pressure ulcer and compare their effect with phenytoin 1%. Particle size of formulations was smaller than 16 nm. Encapsulation efficacy of liposomes was in range 64.66-77.83%. Formulation F4 showed maximum drug release in 8 hours. An examination of the results of the remaining drug in the skin showed that more than 46% of the drug was trapped in the skin layers. Histological investigation suggested that F4 and phenytoin 1% have the best effect on improving the pressure ulcer during 28 day-treatment.

Keywords:

quercetin , liposome , fusion , topical delivery , pressure ulcer