Cyclodextrin-Coordinated Liposome-in-Gel for Transcutaneous Quercetin Delivery for Psoriasis Treatment

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is difficult to treat. Quercetin (QT) is a dietary flavonoid known for its antiinflammatory effects and safe use in humans. However, the topical application of quercetin for psoriasis treatment presents a significant challenge due to its poor water solubility and low stability in semisolid preparations, where it tends to recrystallize. This work presents a novel liposome-in-gel formulation for the quercetin-based topical treatment of psoriasis. The quercetin-loading liposomes are stabilized by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), which interacts with phospholipids via hydrogen bonding to form a layer of an HPCD coating on the liposome interface, thus resulting in improved stability. Various analytical techniques, such as FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM, were used to characterize the molecular coordination patterns between cyclodextrin and liposomes. The results demonstrated that HPCD assisted the liposomes in interfacing with the matrix lipids and keratins of the stratum corneum, thereby enhancing skin permeability and promoting drug penetration and retention in the skin. The in vivo results showed that the topical QT HPCD-liposome-in-gel improved the treatment efficacy of psoriatic plaque compared to free QT. It alleviated the symptoms of skin thickening and downregulated proinflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-17A, and IL-1β. The results suggested that the HPCD-coordinated liposome-in-gel system could be a stable carrier for topical QT therapy with good potential in psoriasis treatment.

Recent Advancements and Trends of Topical Drug Delivery Systems in Psoriasis: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

“… [ 39 ] Carbomer 940, propylene glycol 194 nm Thin-film hydration method Quercetin BALB/c mice, SD rats It increased skin permeability, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-1β, and mitigated symptoms associated with skin thickening. [ 40 ] Cholesterol, carbopol 934 111.00 ±1.62 nm Ethanol injection method Cyclosporine BALB/c mice It reduces the levels of key psoriatic cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-17, and IL-22, thereby alleviating associated symptoms. [ 41 ] Briefly, lecithin, tween 80, mannose-PEG2000-DSPE 85.5 ± 0.7 nm Thin-film dispersion method Celastrol C57/BL6 mice It enhances DC uptake and induces DC tolerance, thereby alleviating symptoms and inflammation associated with psoriasis.…”

“… 44 In another study, quercetin-loaded liposomes were stabilized by hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), which forms a stabilizing layer through hydrogen bonding with the liposome interface, enhancing stability. 40 Additionally, Fan Yu developed peptide-modified liposomes, while Harsha Jain et al created formulations loaded with ibrutinib and co-loaded with curcumin, significantly improving transdermal curcumin efficiency. 43 , 49 …”

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. and Its Extracts for Psoriasis: Efficacy and Mechanism

“… 30 Quercetin, a flavonoid distributed across diverse plants, demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes. 31 Aloe-emodin, present in plants such as aloe vera, exhibits laxative and anti-inflammatory characteristics which ADME profiles are influenced by source and preparation. 32 These compounds present a promising avenue for further research into effective psoriasis treatments and these ADME variations underscore the necessity for tailored approaches and therapeutic strategies, while their unique properties underscore the need for tailored approaches and therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.…”