Formulation and Characterization of a Transdermal Patch drug delivery system loaded Turmeric extract

Abstract

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) offer a means for delivering medications in a sustained and controlled manner, leading to better bioavailability and increased patient adherence. This research focuses on developing and evaluating a transdermal patch containing turmeric extract, intended for pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known for its bioactive components, including curcuminoids and essential oils, which exhibit significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its therapeutic potential is often limited by poor solubility and low bioavailability.

To address these limitations, a turmeric-based transdermal patch was prepared using the solvent casting technique. The patch utilized Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as film-forming polymers, glycerin as a plasticizer, and natural permeation enhancers to improve skin penetration. The prepared patches underwent evaluation for various parameters including thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, tensile strength, moisture content, drug content uniformity, and in-vitro drug release.

The findings indicated that the patches had a uniform drug distribution, desirable mechanical properties, and sustained drug release profiles. These results suggest that turmeric extract transdermal patches could serve as a promising herbal alternative for effective pain and inflammation management. In future, the further optimization and in-vivo evaluations are recommended to validate pre-clinical potential and ensure therapeutic efficacy.