Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL ANTI-ACNE TRANSDERMAL PATCH USING SAPODILLA LEAF EXTRACT

Shridhar Das Kolekar, Pallavi Kashinath Bhusari*, Roshan Ramesh Rathod, Mayur Bapurao Meshram, Datta Balaji Giri

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin conditions globally, affecting predominantly adolescents and young adults. Conventional pharmacological treatments, including benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and systemic antibiotics, are often associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation, antibiotic resistance, and systemic toxicity. The increasing demand for safer, cost-effective, and patient-compliant alternatives has directed research attention toward herbal-based transdermal drug delivery systems. Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.), commonly known as 'Chikoo' in India, is a tropical plant whose leaves are rich in bioactive phytochemicals including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds that possess documented antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review comprehensively examines the rationale, formulation strategies, physicochemical evaluation parameters, and therapeutic efficacy of transdermal patches incorporating sapodilla leaf extract as the primary anti-acne agent. Key aspects including extraction methods, polymer selection, permeation enhancement, in vitro and in vivo evaluation, and stability studies are critically discussed. This paper aims to provide a scientific foundation for further research and commercialization of this promising herbal transdermal system.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Manilkara Zapota, Sapodilla leaf extract, Transdermal patch, Herbal drug delivery, Anti-acne, Phytochemicals, Polymer matrix, Permeation enhancers.