Abstract

ETHOSOMES:- A NOVEL DRUG CARRIER FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY

Priyanka*, Bhandarineeraj and Kumari Neha

ABSTRACT

Skin acts as a major target as well as a principal barrier for topical/transdermal drug delivery. Despite the many advantages of this system, the major obstacle is the low diffusion rate of drugs across the stratum corneum. Several methods have been tried to increase the permeation rate of drugs temporarily. One simple and convenient approach is application of drugs in formulation with elastic vesicles or skin enhancers. Vesicular system is one of the most controversial methods for transdermal delivery of active substances in that ethosome are the ethanolic phospholipids vesicles which are used mainly for transdermal delivery of drugs. Ethosomes have higher penetration rate through skin due to its ethanolic content. In this article reviews various aspect of ethosomes including their mechanism of penetration, preparation, advantages, characterization, composition, preparation, application and marketed product. These carriers open new challenges and opportunities for the development of novel improved therapies. Ethosomes are noninvasive delivery carriers that enable drugs to reach the deep skin layers and/or the systemic circulation. Although ethosomal systems are conceptually sophisticated, they are characterized by simplicity in their preparation, safety, and efficacy a combination that can highly expand their application. Ethosomes are soft, malleable vesicles tailored for enhanced delivery of active agents. This article reviews various aspect of ethosomes including their preparation, characterization, potential advantages and their applications in drug delivery. Because of their unique structure, ethosomes are able to encapsulate and deliver through the skin highly lipophilic molecules such as cannabinoids, testosterone, and minoxidil, as well as cationic drugs such as propranolol, trihexyphenidil, Cyclosporine A, insulin, salbutamol etc. Ethosomes provides a number of important benefits including improving the drug’s efficacy, enhancing patient compliance and comfort and reducing the total cost of treatment. Enhanced delivery of bioactive molecules through the skin and cellular membranes by means of an ethosomal carrier opens numerous challenges and opportunities for the research and future development of novel improved therapies.

Keywords: Ethosomes, Noninvasive, Transdermal, Skin permeation, Vesicles.