Iontophoretic Delivery of Marigold Extract - Formulation Studies

Iontophoresis allows the penetration of drugs through the skin by applying a weak electric current called galvanic current, using two poles (one positive and one negative pole). The drug is applied in accordance with its polarity. The use of transdermal administration becomes efficient compared to other routes as it does not decrease drug bioavailability and does not cause stomach irritation, as in the case of oral route and it is not as invasive and painful as the intramuscular and intravenous routes, thus leading to greater patient compliance with therapy. The hydrogels allow the active principle contained in them to undergo the action of ionizing and electrical current, thus being absorbed by the skin. Due to its biocompatible and non-toxic nature, these hydrogels are employed as synthetic dressings used in the treatment of burns and ulcers, as they hydrate and refresh the skin and reduce pain. Rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) is a flavonoid (polyphenol compounds with a fundamental ybenzopyrene or croman nucleus), traditionally used as an antioxidant and vasoprotective agent, which reduces edema formation and also acts to prevent the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. This study analyzed the influence of iontophoresis, irradiation time and the solution concentration on the drug release profile. Hydrogels with different polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) concentration and different radiation doses showed the same release profile. Iontophoresis increased the release rate of drugs such as rutin from 100 minutes to 80 minutes.