Chapter 13 - Plant polysaccharides in transdermal drug delivery

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is an important route for systemic drug administration and is becoming popular because of its affordability and expediency. Drug properties, patient’s adherence to the treatment regimen, and the system’s ability to adhere to the skin are some of the key aspects that govern and promote the penetration of the drug through the skin barrier. Traditional formulations for transdermal drug administration have certain constraints such as minimal permeability, reduced skin adherence, and dose monitoring of the potent drugs. Low penetration of drug into the skin has led to numerous studies being conducted to increase the permeability and penetration of the drugs, with the prime focus being toward the utilization of natural polysaccharides in transdermal formulations. Polymer blending and other structural modifications are carried out to alter their functional properties and hence their dermal penetration. Here in this chapter, we have discussed the various plant polysaccharides that are used in TDD system. Additionally, we have also discussed the limitations and the future prospects of the polysaccharides in the development of TDD.