Preparation of β-CD–Quercetin Complex and its Effects on Ethanol-Damaged BRL-3A Hepatocytes

Objective: To prepare the sustained-release complex, quercetin was incorporated with β- cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the effect of β-CD–quercetin complex on the growth of ethanol-injuried hepatocytes was studied. Methods: By using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and release rate analysis, β- CD–quercetin complex was identified. The effect of different concentrations of β-CD–quercetin complex on the growth of ethanol-damaged hepatocytes at different time was observed by using MTT assay, and the cell quantity and morphology were observed by using hematoxylin–eosin staining. By using single-cell gel electrophoresis, the prevention of β-CD–quercetin complex from the DNA damage of ethanol-damaged BRL-3A cells was studied, and Olive tail moment was calculated. Results: β-CD–quercetin complex as the sustained-release complex was successfully prepared. The ethanol induced damage of BRL-3A cells could be prevented by 20, 40 and 80 mg/L of quercetin complex, and the protection mechanism of hepatocyte was related to the antioxidation of DNA. Conclusion: Quercetin sustained-release complex could be prepared with β-CD, and it might be used to treat alcoholic liver disease.