Formulation of Transfersome Containing Kaempferia galanga for Transdermal Patch Application

Kaempferia galanga L. is commonly used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is hindered by low solubility and poor skin permeability, which necessitates improvements in drug delivery systems. This study focused on formulating a transfersome containing Kaempferia galanga extract (KGE) by varying the ratios of phospholipid and surfactant, and incorporating it into a transdermal patch. Transfersomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method with different soy lecithin-to-Tween 80 ratios and were characterized to identify the optimal formulation. This formulation was then integrated into a polymeric transdermal patch through the solvent casting method. Comprehensive evaluations, including physicochemical characterization and ex vivo skin permeation studies, were performed on the KGE transfersome-loaded patch. The optimal transfersome, with a soy lecithin-to-Tween 80 ratio of 80:20, exhibited a particle size of 152.85 ± 6.88 nm, good deformability at 98.76 ± 2.14%, high entrapment efficiency of 89.33 ± 3.35%, and a spherical morphology. In the ex vivo skin permeation study, the KGE transfersome-loaded patch demonstrated a higher cumulative drug permeation of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC), the primary active component of Kaempferia galanga, compared to the KGE-loaded patch. These results indicate that the KGE transfersome-loaded patch has potential as an effective alternative for transdermal delivery.