Review of Transdermal Patches Including Menthol Crystal and Eucalyptus Oil: Design, Manufacturing, Development, and Physicochemical Assessment

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) provide a regulated & continuous release of medicinal substances through the skin, making them a viable substitute for traditional methods. Herbal transdermal patches for anti-inflammatory purposes utilize bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants such as aloe vera, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. These patches bypass first-pass metabolism, improve patient compliance, and provide localized as well as systemic effects with minimal side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Usually, polymers, plasticizers, and penetration enhancers are mixed with herbal extracts in the formulation, which is prepared using techniques like solvent casting, mercury substrate, and aluminum-backed adhesive film. Physical attributes like as thickness, tensile strength, folding durability, moisture content, uptake, and % break elongation test are among the evaluation criteria. Herbal transdermal patches show promising potential in managing inflammatory conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and swelling, offering a safer, natural, and patient-friendly approach for long-term therapy.