Transdermal microemulsions of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.: characterization, stability and evaluation of antioxidant potential

Drug Deliv. 2014 Mar;21(2):130-9. doi: 10.3109/10717544.2013.834419. Epub 2013 Sep 12.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to formulate Glycyrrhiza glabra root and rhizome aqueous ethanolic extract in microemulsion carrier systems intended for transdermal delivery of incorporated antioxidant actives, flavonoids and polyphenols. The results obtained reveal that the microemulsion system ME3 possesses optimum properties regarding drug content (flavonoids and polyphenols), viscosity, pH, particle size and polydispersity index, zeta potential, stability, permeation of actives and hence possesses high in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant efficacy. These results indicate also that this microemulsion shows approximately 13-fold higher ex vivo antioxidant capacity compared with the liquorice extract solution. In addition, the proposed microemulsion is simple to dispense, cost effective and provides high patient compliance and convenience because of simple topical application and avoidance of non-comfortable oral or parenteral administration.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods
  • Drug Stability
  • Emulsions
  • Glycyrrhiza*
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / metabolism*
  • Plant Roots
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Rhizome
  • Skin Absorption / drug effects
  • Skin Absorption / physiology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Emulsions
  • Plant Extracts