Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Transdermal Patches using Abutilon indicum linn for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer a promising alternative for the controlled and noninvasive delivery of drugs. This study explores the development and evaluation of herbal transdermal patches using Abutilon indicum linn leaves, a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The leaves were collected, authenticated, and subjected to phytochemical screening, which confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins. Ethanolic extracts of Abutilon indicum linn were incorporated into transdermal patches formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the polymer base. Various formulations (F1, F2, F3) were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, including thickness, moisture content, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The patches exhibited favorable characteristics such as flexibility, smoothness, and consistent drug release. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of key functional groups, supporting the plant's therapeutic potential. In-vitro release studies demonstrated controlled drug release, suggesting that Abutilon indicum linn based transdermal patches could serve as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for RA. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of Abutilon indicum linn and highlight its potential for transdermal drug delivery.