Abstract
The transdermal drug delivery system has an important place in the medical field. This delivery system has several advantages over the oral and parental route of drug administration. The concept of transdermal drug delivery system was already exists in the Unani system of medicine. Several dosage forms for transdermal drug delivery system in single as well as in compound formulation were mentioned in the classical literature of Unani system. Unani medicine is enriched with several drugs honored to possess antifertility property. Unani antifertility agents are recommended for both- male and female as oral and/or local application. Several single drugs as well as compound formulations are mentioned in Unani classical literature to control the fertility. With this background an effort was made with two objectives. First was to design a transdermal Unani female contraceptive formulation (TUFCF) based on four ingredients i.e. Leaves of Henna (Lawsonia inermis), rhizome of Pakhanbed (Bergenia ciliata), Sibr (Latex of Aloe barbadensis) and Khar-e-Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera). Secondly to evaluate in-vitro transdermal penetration potential of the TUFCF by Franz diffusion cell method, qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitatively the test formulation reveals significant presence of phytochemicals by chemical test method. Quantitatively it showed 35.07% release across the membrane. Hence, it was concluded that the test formulation possessed the transdermal activity.
