Effects of α- and β-cyclodextrin complexation on the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of some 3-hydroxyflavones

Inclusion complexes of some flavonols (3-hydroxyflavone, morin and quercetin) have been obtained with alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins, by the co-evaporation method. Different analytical techniques (DSC, XRPD, FT-IR, H-1-NMR, UV-Vis) have been employed for a throughout investigation of the structural characteristics of such supramolecular aggregates, which exhibited distinct spectroscopic features and properties from both guest and host molecules. The stoichiometric ratios and stability constants describing the extent of formation of the complexes have been determined by phase-solubility studies; in all cases type-A(L) diagrams have been obtained (soluble 1: 1 complexes). The effect of molecular encapsulation on the flavonols antioxidant activity has been afterwards evaluated, by means of different biological assays (Bathophenanthroline test; Comet assay; Lipid peroxidation). Complexation with cyclodextrins further improved the antioxidant activity, increasing drugs solubility in the biological moiety.