This study was designed to evaluate suitability of chitosan polymer as a vehicle for topical
delivery system. Quercetin (QUT) is a natural flavonoid, was incorporated into the gel vehicles in a
concentration of 0.5% w/v. Gels were prepared with three different concentrations and different
molecular weights of chitosan. Viscosity, drug release from prepared gels, permeation of drug
through skin rat and anti-inflammatory activity of the drug using carrageenan induced rat paw edema
method were studied. In-vitro release characteristics of the drug from different gels were carried out
using dialysis membrane in phosphate buffer, pH 5.5. The release data were treated with various
kinetic principles to assess the relevant parameters. The general rank order of QUT release was F1 >
F4 > F2 > F3 > F5. The results also showed that, the release of drug from the prepared gels obeyed
the diffusion model (Higuchi’s equation). The results revealed an inverse correlation between the drug
release percent and the polymer concentration used. The permeation of drug through skin rat was
carried out. The flux of drug is independent on the viscosity of the formulae. The results also showed a
significant anti-inflammatory activity on rat paw edema.