Topical Administration of Terpenes Encapsulated in Nanostructured Lipid-Based Systems.

Elwira Lasoń

doi:10.3390/molecules25235758

Elwira Lasoń

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235758

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Abstract

Terpenes are a group of phytocompounds that have been used in medicine for decades owing to their significant role in human health. So far, they have been examined for therapeutic purposes as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral agents, and the clinical potential of this class of compounds has been increasing continuously as a source of pharmacologically interesting agents also in relation to topical administration. Major difficulties in achieving sustained delivery of terpenes to the skin are connected with their low solubility and stability, as well as poor cell penetration. In order to overcome these disadvantages, new delivery technologies based on nanostructures are proposed to improve bioavailability and allow controlled release. This review highlights the potential properties of terpenes loaded in several types of lipid-based nanocarriers (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers) used to overcome free terpenes’ form limitations and potentiate their therapeutic properties for topical administration.

Highlights

Terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives terpenoids are the largest and most common class of secondary metabolites
Several terpenes are considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS), few studies investigated the safety of these compounds in direct topical application
New drug delivery systems based on lipids represent an encouraging approach for topical applications of terpenes

Summary

Introduction

Terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives terpenoids are the largest and most common class of secondary metabolites. The two terms are often used interchangeably They are found in higher plants, as representing the majority of molecules in essential oils, mosses, liverworts, and algae lichens, as well as insects, microbes, and marine organisms [1,2,3]. Terpenes may be classified as linear, monocyclic, and bicyclic [3,5] The volatility of these compounds decreases with an increased number of isoprene units [6]. Efficient, safe, and natural delivery systems are of proper carriers play an important role in their administration. In In thethe present of selected selectedterpenoids terpenoidsisisdiscussed discussed with special presentreview, review,the thetopical topicaladministration administration of with special emphasis on nanostructured delivery systems applied as carriers for these groups of bioactive compounds.

Topical

Terpenes as Skin Permeation Enhancers

Terpenes as Bioactive Compounds

Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Topical Applications of Terpenes

Conclusions