Abstract

Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid found in numerous fruits, vegetables, and herbs, possesses many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Kaempferol has low aqueous solubility and hence has poor oral bioavailability. Numerous promising techniques were used to enhance its absorption and structural transformation to deliver kaempferol. Novel pharmaceutical technologies, including nanotechnology, carrier complex and cocrystals have been established. However, this review discusses how to deliver kaempferol via topical route in many diseases. This is the earliest review that aims to provide updated information on chemistry, bioavailability, biosynthesis, therapeutic effects and available nanoformulations of kaempferol. It also provides future directions so that the overall bioavailability of kaempferol might be improved, and it may show expansive applications.

Keywords: Bioavailability, kaempferol, nanotechnology, permeability, topical drug delivery, nanoformulations.