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Microemulsions based on paeonol-menthol eutectic mixture for enhanced transdermal delivery: formulation development
Wenping Wang1,2, Yaqin Cai1, Yanhua Liu1,2
1a School of Pharmacy , Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , Ningxia , China.
Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology
|September 8, 2016
Summary
Microemulsion-based gels enhance paeonol transdermal delivery. A paeonol-menthol eutectic mixture formulation showed improved physical stability and drug deposition for potential therapeutic efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutics
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Dermatology
Background:
- Paeonol is a natural compound with therapeutic potential.
- Transdermal drug delivery offers advantages over conventional routes.
- Developing stable and effective paeonol transdermal formulations is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize microemulsion-based gels for transdermal paeonol delivery.
- To investigate the influence of paeonol-menthol ratios on microemulsion properties.
- To evaluate the in vitro skin permeation and deposition of paeonol from the developed gels.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of microemulsions using paeonol-menthol eutectic mixtures.
- Characterization of microemulsions (particle size, viscosity, physical stability).
- Incorporation into Carbopol gels and assessment of drug crystallization.
- In vitro permeation and deposition studies using mouse skin.
Main Results:
- Microemulsions formed at various paeonol-menthol ratios (6:4, 5:5, 4:6) but differed in physical characteristics.
- Higher paeonol ratios led to larger droplet size, increased viscosity, and faster crystal growth.
- The 4:6 paeonol-menthol ratio yielded the smallest particle size (27 nm) and most stable gel.
- This formulation exhibited the highest drug deposition (111.8 μg/cm²) and steady-state flux (0.3 μg/cm²/h).
Conclusions:
- Microemulsion formulation is a promising strategy for enhancing paeonol skin permeation.
- A microemulsion based on a paeonol-menthol eutectic mixture can serve as an effective transdermal delivery system.
- This approach holds potential for improved therapeutic efficacy of paeonol.
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