Objectives: Quercetin is one of the flavonoids with a polyhydroxyaromatic structure. Quercetin has been proposed to exhibit a bioWactivity against oxidative stress. However, quercetin has poor solubility in aqueous media. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and dissolution rates of quercetin-succinic acid co-crystals.
Materials and Methods:The quercetin-succinic acid co-crystals were prepared in 1:1 molar ratio using solvent evaporation. X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to determine the physicochemical properties of quercetin-succinic acid co-crystals. Dissolution was studied in medium citrate buffer with 2% SLS for 60 min using USP II (paddle) apparatus at 100 rpm and 37°C. Results: Based on diffractogram, thermogram, infrared spectrum, and microscopic capture, the physicochemical properties of quercetin-succinic acid co-crystals showed difference to those of quercetin. In addition, the in vitro dissolution test showed that the dissolution profile of co-crystals was significantly higher than pure quercetin. Conclusion: This study suggests that the formation of quercetin-succinic acid co-crystals using solvent evaporation enhanced the physicochemical properties and dissolution rate of quercetin.