Flavosomes, novel deformable liposomes for the co-delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds to skin

Flavosomes, novel deformable liposomes for the topical delivery of anti-inflammatory compounds have been developed and characterized in this study. The carriers were prepared by incorporating flavonoids, specifically quercetin and dihydroquercetin, into transfersome and evaluated as a potential topical delivery system for meloxicam (MX), a potent hydrophobic NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Characterization of the flavosomes was conducted in terms of their vesicle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and deformability index. Ex vivo skin permeation and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies demonstrated that the flavosome formulations improved the skin permeation of meloxicam compared to that for transfersomes. The dermal and transdermal delivery of meloxicam using these formulations has the potential of being a promising alternative to conventional oral delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with enhanced local and systemic onset of action and reduced gastrointestinal side effects.

Keywords: Deformable liposomes; Ex vivo skin permeation; Flavonoid; Flavosome; Meloxicam; Transfersome.