Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Transdermal patches for Rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The allopathic healthcare system provides two conventional ways of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, both of which have side effects. As a result, turning to Ayurvedic herbal treatment formulation that is safe, effective, and proven would be a better choice. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is chronic and progressive ,distinguished by chronic inflammation affecting the peripheral joints. Transdermal films containing herbal medicinal plants such as Cardiospermum helicacabum and Aloe barbadensis were designed in this study to treat rheumatoid arthritis . The solvent casting method was used to develop transdermal patches using plant extracts. The patches were evaluated based on physicochemical parameters such as thickness, folding endurance, physical appearance, weight uniformity, moisture content, drug content, flatness, moisture uptake, pH, and invitro drug release and stability study. The plots for average absorbance release vs time through transdermal film shows that drug release occurred at a steady rate. The skin irritation study on human volunteer's skin revealed that the formulation does not cause skin irritation. Overall, the present research provides a novel approach to the implementation of transdermal drug delivery techniques in the design of herbal remedies.