Transdermal Patches Having Herbal Drugs Ethosomal Suspension Used In Gout Diseases

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of transdermal patches containing herbal drugs formulated with ethosomal suspensions for the treatment of gout disease. Gout is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by elevated uric acid levels leading to deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Conventional oral therapies often face limitations such as gastrointestinal irritation, poor bioavailability, and systemic side effects, making transdermal delivery a promising alternative. Ethosomes, composed of phospholipids, ethanol, and water, serve as efficient nanocarriers that enhance the permeation of active phytoconstituents through the skin due to their flexible vesicular structure and ability to disrupt stratum corneum lipid organization. Herbal anti-inflammatory and uric acid–reducing agents, when incorporated into ethosomal formulations, can provide sustained drug release, improved therapeutic efficacy, and better patient compliance. The designed ethosomal suspensions are evaluated for parameters such as particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and stability, followed by incorporation into transdermal patch systems. In vitro diffusion studies and ex vivo permeation analyses are performed to establish controlled drug delivery potential. This approach offers a novel, safe, and non-invasive herbal therapeutic strategy for gout management with enhanced bioavailability and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional drug delivery systems.