Preparation and Characterization of Quercetin-Loaded Solid Dispersion by Solvent Evaporation and Freeze-Drying Method

We prepared solid dispersion formulations of quercetin to enhance its solubility and dissolution rate. Various quercetin-loaded solid dispersion were tested with quercetin, poloxamer 407, and carrier such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000), and polyvinylpyrrolidone K40 (PVP K40) using solvent evaporation and freeze drying methods in terms of both the aqueous solubility and the dissolution rates of quercetin. The solubility of quercetin as its solid dispersion formulations was markedly improved compared with that of quercetin powder. Especially, highest solubility of quercetin was observed when HPMC was used as a carrier. The cumulative dissolution of quercetin within 360 min from solid dispersion composed of quercetin, poloxamer 407, and HPMC was 8.8-fold higher than the dissolution of pure quercetin. The results of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that quercetin transformed from a crystalline to an amorphous form through the solid dispersion formulation process. These results suggest that the solid dispersion formulation of quercetin with poloxamer 407 and HPMC could be a promising option for enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of quercetin.