Evaluation of the release profiles of flavonoids from topical formulations of the crude extract of the leaves of Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae).

Quercetin and isorhamnetin are found in adequately large concentrations in the plant Dodonea viscosa (Sapindaceae). Plants that contain flavonoids are effective in the topical treatment of skin or mucous membrane inflammation. In this study, the release profiles of quercetin and isorhamnetin from hydrophilic, amphiphilic and lipophilic creams of the crude extract of Dodonea viscosa were determined using a multilayer membrane system. The results revealed that the hydrophilic cream provided the highest rate of release of both flavonoids while there was practically no release from the lipophilic cream. The hydrophilic cream may, therefore, serve most in delivering flavonoids to a diseased skin.