title: Essential Fatty Acids as Transdermal Penetration Enhancers.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different penetration enhancers, containing essential fatty acids (EFAs), on the transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen. Evening primrose oil (EPO), vitamin F, and Pheroid technology all contain fatty acids and were compared using a cream-based formulation. This selection was to ascertain whether EFAs solely, or EFAs in a Pheroid delivery system, would have a significant increase in the transdermal delivery of a compound. Membrane release studies were performed, and the results indicated the following rank order for flurbiprofen release from the different formulations: vitamin F >> control > EPO >> Pheroid. Topical skin delivery results indicated that flurbiprofen was present in the stratum corneum-epidermis and the epidermis-dermis. The average percentage flurbiprofen diffused to the receptor phase (representing human blood) indicated that the EPO formulation showed the highest average percentage diffused. The Pheroid formulation delivered the lowest concentration with a statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with the control formulation (containing 1% flurbiprofen and no penetration enhancers). The control formulation presented the highest average flux, with the EPO formulation following the closest. It could, thus, be concluded that EPO is the most favorable chemical penetration enhancer when used in this formulation.
authors: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
authors: Lindi
authors: L
authors: van Zyl
authors: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: du Preez
authors: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
authors: Minja
authors: M
authors: Gerber
authors: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
authors: Jeanetta
authors: J
authors: du Plessis
authors: Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa. Electronic address: 11320036@nwu.ac.za.
authors: Joe
authors: J
authors: Viljoen
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D015194:Diffusion Chambers, Culture; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005079:Excipients; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005480:Flurbiprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology; D031825:Primula / Q000737:chemistry; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D005079:Excipients; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D010938:Plant Oils; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D005480:Flurbiprofen
keywords: Pheroid™; evening primrose oil; fatty acid; flurbiprofen; formulation; transdermal; vitamin F