Ethosomes are phospholipid nanovesicles used for dermal and transdermal delivery of molecules. Ethosomes were developed by Touitou et al.,1997, as additional novel lipid carriers composed of ethanol, phospholipids, and water. They are reported to improve the skin delivery of various drugs.
3. Why Ethosomes?
Ethosomes are more effective at penetrating skin than Niosomes, which are non-
ionic surfactant vesicles that can encapsulate a broad range of solutes.
Transferosomes, like ultra-deformable or elastic carriers, are unable to penetrate
deeper skin layers but have a high penetration power because of their great
deformability.
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9. Disadvantages
1.Poor Yield: The preparation of ethosomes sometimes results in low yields, which
can be inefficient for large-scale production.
2.Absorption Dependence: The percutaneous absorption of drugs using
ethosomes depends on the molecular size of the drug. Larger molecules may not
be efficiently absorbed.
3.Skin Irritation: Ethosomes may cause skin irritation or dermatitis in some
patients due to the presence of penetration enhancers, ethanol, or other excipients.
4.Clumping: Ethosomes with poorly formed shells may clump together, leading
to precipitation.
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13. Product name Active content Uses Manufacturer
Nanominox Minoxidil 4% Hair growth promoter Sinere, Germany
Supravir cream Acyclovir Treatment of herpes
infection. Stable for > 3
years at 25o C
Trima, Israel
Cellutight EF Topical
cellulite cream,
Combination of
ingredients
Increases metabolism and
breakdown of fat
Hampden Health, USA
Decorin cream Combination of
ingredients
Antiaging and
hyperpigmentation
Genome Cosmetics,
Pennsylvania, US
Noicellex Combination of
ingredients
Topical anticellulite cream Novel Therapeutic
Technologies, Israel
Skin genuity Combination of
ingredients
Powerful cellulite buster,
reduces orange peel
Physonics, Nottingham,
UK
COMMERCIALYAVAILABLE ETHOSOMAL PREPARATIONS
14. RESEARCH WORK
S.No RESEARCH WORK DISORDER
1. Preparation and Characterization of Ethosomes for Topical delivery of
Aceclofenac
gastrointestinal ulcer and anaemia
due to gastrointestinal bleeding on
oral adm.
2. Preparation, characterization and evaluation of finasteride ethosome alopecia
3. Ethosomal Gel for Topical Administration of Dimethyl Fumarate HSV-1 virus induce lesions on the
lips, mouth, face, and eye.
4. Design and development of terbinafine hydrochloride ethosomal gel for
enhancement of transdermal delivery
Onychomycosis deep fungal nail
cuticle infection
5. Formulation Development and Evaluation of Ethosomal Gel of Acyclovir cold sores around
the mouth and chickenpox.
6. Ethosomes Loaded with Spiranolactone through Topical Gel Formulation Skin Disorder (for Acne Treatment)
7. Formulation Development and Evaluation Nifedipine Loaded Ethosomal
Gel for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Cardio Disorder(hypertension,
angina)
15. CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DELIVERY OF
ETHOSOMES
Low Yield: Ethosomal drug delivery may suffer from an extremely low yield, which
could impact its economic viability. Ensuring a sufficient yield is crucial for practical
applications.
Skin Reactions: Some individuals might experience skin rashes or dermatitis due
to the excipients or penetration enhancers used in ethosomal formulations. Skin
compatibility is essential to avoid adverse reactions.
Transition from Organic to Water Media: During the transition from organic
solvents to water-based media, there can be product loss.
16. In the preparation of Ethosomal gel first we go for the preparation of gel base,
Carbopol 934 is commonly used gel former and at low concentration it forms good
consistency transparent gel. It will be prepared by dispersing carbopol 934 in hot
distilled water in which glycerol was previously added. To this accurately weighed
quantity of methyl paraben and propyl paraben was added. Then the mixture will be
neutralized by triethanolamine. Then the ethosomal formulation was slowly added
in carbopol 934 gel base with gentle stirring. Finally, we get the Ethosomal gel.
Drug:
Alendronate: Used to treat Osteoporosis, poor solubility & absorption when
administered orally.
Terbutaline: used in bronchospasm, extensive first pass metabolism(reduced
bioavailability) & poor absorption.
Ethosomal Gel/Choice of drug
