Abstract
Background: Phytosomes are recently introduced drug delivery system
and novel botanical formulation to produce lipophilic molecular complex to
improve absorption and bioavailability of phytoconstituent. Quercetin is a
well-known flavonoid with different biological effects and contributed in food
preserving by free radical scavenging activity. However, bioavailability of
Quercetin is an important limiting factor for its antioxidant activities. Purpose:
To overcome this limitation, in the present study we aimed to produce
Quercetin-loaded nano phytosomes to improve its physicochemical stability and
bioavailability. Methods: Quercetin-loaded nano phytosome was
prepared by using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol (CH). Quercetin nano
phytosomes system was characterized by particle size analyzer and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: Results showed that formulation
with the Quercetin: PC: CH molar ratio of 1: 2: 0.2 had lower particle size (80
nm) and higher encapsulation efficiency percent (98%). Results also indicated
that incorporation of cholesterol improved the physical stability of nano
phytosome for over three weeks. The DSC data showed that incorporation of
Quercetin in the phospholipid bilayer reduced the phase transition temperature
of bilayer in the nano phytosome structure resulting higher release and
bioavailability. Conclusion: Nano phytosomal formulation of
Quercetin showed promising potential in fortification of food products with
water insoluble antioxidants.