ABSTRACT
Ethosomes are drug-phospholipid-ethanolic complexes with soft and flexible vesicular texture, suitable to enhance delivery of phytoconstituents present in herbal extracts. Significant proportions of ethanol in the ethosome vesicles modifies permeability of the lipid bilayer of skin upon topical application and facilitates the rapid penetration of phytoconstituents through the stratum corneum. Moreover, ethosome formulation shows more pronounced stability compared to the other vesicular formulations. Ethosome facilitates delivery of bioactive compounds regardless of small, medium, or large size via transdermal administration. Advanced delivery of bioactive molecules through skin and cellular membranes using an ethosomal technique paves a path for the research and development of novel and efficient therapies. This chapter focuses on the development, optimization, characterization, and clinically therapeutic applications of ethosome formulations in treatment of melanoma and psoriasis.
