Characteristics and cellular protective effects against UVA of cationic liposome loaded with quercetin and rutin

Abstract

Quercetin and its glycoside, rutin, are flavonoids, which are well known as natural antioxidants. In this study, cationic liposomes loaded with flavonoids (quercetin or rutin) were investigated for their effects on cell and skin permeability, and protective effects against UVA. The particle size of the empty cationic liposomes was in the range of 100∼130 nm, and the zeta potential was + 33.05 mV. The entrapment efficiency of 0.5R/CL was higher than that of 0.5 Q/CL. The cellular uptake of the cationic liposomes was five-fold higher than that of liposomes. The skin permeability of quercetin and rutin was investigated using Franz diffusion cells. Compared to the initial loading dose, the amount of quercetin or rutin delivered to the skin by cationic liposomes was higher than that delivered by conventional liposomes or phosphate-buffered saline. From the protective effect of cationic liposomes against UVA (25 J/cm 2), we found that the cell viability in cationic liposomes containing flavonoids was higher than that of using UVA irradiation only. These results indicate that cationic liposomes provide enhanced delivery of flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) into the skin and may be used for antiaging and antioxidant cosmetics.