Potential of essential oils as alternative permeation enhancers for transdermal delivery

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery plays a significant part in the drug delivery system when compared to other routes of drug administration. The function of the stratum corneum (SC) is a barrier. Recently, numerous methods have been thrived to improve the perforation of drugs across the skin. The most effective method is to use enhancers since these agents enhance skin permeability. Natural penetration enhancers like essential oils demonstrate higher enhancement activity and are more widely accepted than synthetic penetration enhancers. High potential in the expansion and interaction with the SC intercellular lipids has led to an increasing interest in these oils as penetration enhancers. This article gives an overview of a few essential oils, including their mode of action and important parameters for permeation improvement. The present work can provide essential oils as alternative enhancers, and this could be useful in transdermal administration.