Ethosomes: A Novel Approach in Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery is a dosage form that is applied topically to the skin layer (epidermis) which helps to deliver the drug into the skin layer before entering the systemic circulation. Ethosomes are soft, and flexible vesicles which helps in rapid drug absorption. Ethosomes have better pharmaceutical properties than the conventional liposomes such as room temperature stability, and improved compatibility with the Stratum Corneum barrier. Ethosomes are non-toxic in nature and can be used in the preparation of cosmeceutical and it has better drug absorption to the skin. The most common disadvantage of ethosome is that it might not be cost-effective. The ethosomal patches might not stick to all skin types. The mechanism of ethosomes is mainly occurred due to increased lipid fluidity within the cell membrane caused by the ethanol in ethosome. As a result, skin permeability is increased. Ethosomes can be prepared by using cold method and hot method. Ethosome consists of various evaluation parameters which includes permeability studies, drug content studies, interaction study between the vesicle and filter membrane. Ethosomes can deliver various highly lipophilic drugs like minoxidil, testosome, CBD, and other antibiotic drugs. The most widely used application for ethosomal formulation is to transport the DNA topically into the skin layer for gene expression and hence ethosomes are used in the delivering the vaccines by transdermal route. Additionally, a study in this field allows for improved regulation of medication release in vivo and long-term safety analysis, providing effective treatment. Ethosomal preparations have promising future in delivering bioactive substances via transdermal distribution. The discovery of ethosomes and vesicle derivatives was a crucial breakthrough in vesicle research. Ethosomes are preferred because they are non-irritant to the GIT tract and avoid first-pass metabolism.