Formulation and Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri Ethanolic Extract Loaded Transdermal Patch for Neuroprotective Activity

Abstract

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate Bacopa monnieri ethanolic extract-loaded transdermal patches for potential neuroprotective activity. Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as Brahmi, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for neurological and cognitive disorders. In this study, ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri was prepared by maceration and incorporated into matrix-type transdermal patches using the solvent casting method. Each formulation contained 200 mg of Bacopa monnieri ethanolic extract. HPMC and PVP K30 were used as film-forming polymers, PEG-400 as plasticizer, and propylene glycol as permeation enhancer. The prepared patches were evaluated for physical appearance, thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, moisture content, moisture uptake, surface pH, flatness, drug content uniformity, in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, skin irritation, stability, and neuroprotective activity. Among all formulations, F4 showed the best physicochemical properties, highest drug content, excellent flatness, sustained drug release, good skin permeation, and no irritation. In vitro neuroprotective evaluation showed improved cell viability in the optimized patch-treated group compared with the toxic control group. The findings suggest that Bacopa monnieri ethanolic extract can be successfully formulated into a transdermal patch and may serve as a promising non-invasive delivery system for neuroprotective application. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm its therapeutic potential.