TERPENES: NATURAL SKIN PENETRATION ENHANCERS IN TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

It is found that scientists are now only beginning to comprehend the complexity of transdermal drug delivery. Elucidation of the biochemical composition and functioning of the intrinsic diffusion barrier of the stratum corneum has prompted investigation of chemical and physical means of enhancing the percutaneous penetration of poorly absorbed drugs. A popular approach for improving transdermal drug delivery involves the use of penetration enhancers (sorption promoters or accelerants) which penetrate into skin to reversibly reduce the barrier resistance. The use of chemical penetration enhancers would significantly increase the number of drug molecules suitable for transdermal delivery like terpenes present in naturally occurring volatile oils appear to be clinically acceptable enhancer. The purpose of this review was to compile the naturally used percutaneous permeation enhancers for topically used or transdermal delivery system.