International Journal of Advanced Research in Orthopaedics ISSN: 2642-0155
Research Article
Herbal Transdermal Patches for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Published: 2025-05-06

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and eventual joint destruction. Conventional treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), often come with significant side effects and limited long-term efficacy. This study aims to develop and evaluate an herbal transdermal patch as a novel therapeutic approach for RA, leveraging the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of selected herbal extracts. The research involves a systematic approach, beginning with an extensive review of literature to identify herbs with established therapeutic benefits for RA. Key herbal extracts were selected based on their pharmacological profiles, historical use, and minimal side effects. The transdermal patch formulation was optimized through a series of experiments, focusing on achieving controlled and sustained release of active compounds. Physicochemical characterization of the patches included assessments of thickness, uniformity, moisture content, drug content, and adhesion properties. In vitro studies were conducted to evaluate the drug release profile and skin permeation using Franz diffusion cells and excised animal or human skin. Stability studies ensured the formulation’s robustness under various storage conditions. In conclusion, the development of an herbal transdermal patch represents a promising advancement in RA management, combining the benefits of herbal medicine with the advantages of transdermal drug delivery systems. This approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life by providing a natural, non-invasive, and effective treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords

Rheumatoid Arthritis; Transdermal Drug; Physicochemical; Lipid Matrix