The Use of Opuntia Ficus Indica Mucilage Powder as a Novel Excipient Used in Transdermal Patch

Abstract

The application of powdered Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as a natural excipient in transdermal drug delivery systems is investigated in this work. Excellent mechanical characteristics, regulated drug release, and improved skin penetration were demonstrated by transdermal patches made with different amounts of OFI mucilage. Its biocompatibility with human skin fibroblasts was validated by in vitro experiments. For transdermal patches, the results indicate that OFI mucilage is a viable, sustainable substitute for synthetic excipients; nevertheless, more in vivo and long-term stability research is required.

Introduction

A. Applications of Mucilage Powder:

• Natural Film-Forming Agent: The mucilage forms flexible, semi-permeable, bioadhesive films ideal for transdermal patches, ensuring drug diffusion and skin adhesion without irritation.

• Sustained Drug Release: Its high viscosity allows controlled, prolonged release of drugs, improving patient compliance and maintaining therapeutic levels.

• Biocompatibility & Biodegradability: Being natural, it is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly, suitable for chronic treatments.

• Hydrophilic Nature: Retains moisture to soften skin layers, enhancing drug absorption through the skin.

B. Historical and Current Use:

• Widely used traditionally for wound healing and cosmetics due to its gel-forming and moisture-retaining properties.

• Economically viable, especially in arid regions, and increasingly adopted in sustainable pharmaceutical formulations.

C. Adhesion & Biocompatibility:

• Excellent adhesion and flexibility; enhances mechanical strength when combined with polymers.

• Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and improves drug permeation and retention.

D. Role in Sustained Drug Release:

• Acts as a gel-like polymer matrix regulating drug diffusion over 12–24 hours.

• Biodegradable and responsive to skin conditions, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness and reducing dosing frequency.

E. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:

• Natural and biodegradable, reducing environmental footprint compared to synthetic polymers.

• Supports eco-friendly harvesting and manufacturing practices.

F. Optimization Areas:

• Flexibility and durability of films can be improved with plasticizers.

• Preservatives can extend shelf life.

• Combining with other excipients may strengthen films further.

Literature Review Highlights:

• Studies confirm Opuntia mucilage’s effectiveness in enhancing drug release, stability, mechanical properties, and as a natural excipient alternative to synthetics.

• Research emphasizes its pharmacological potential and advantages in pharmaceutical formulations.

Plant Profile:

• Description: Succulent with flat, paddle-shaped stems, vibrant flowers, and edible fruits (tunas).

• Habitat: Native to Mexico; thrives in arid/semi-arid climates worldwide.

• Cultural Significance: Used extensively in Mexican cuisine and traditional medicine.

Pharmacological Potential:

• Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

• Exhibits anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.

• Supports digestive health and weight management.

Extraction Process:

• Involves harvesting, washing, chopping, homogenizing with water, heating, filtering, precipitating with ethanol, drying, grinding, and storage.

• Various extraction methods aim to preserve mucilage quality and bioactivity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Opuntia ficus indica mucilage powder is a promising natural excipient for transdermal patches. Its hydrophilic and film-forming properties enhanced patch strength, flexibility, and controlled drug release. The patches showed good physical characteristics (0.15 mm thickness, uniform weight, 325-fold endurance, 5–15% moisture) and achieved over 101% Diclofenac Sodium release in 60 minutes. The mucilage is biodegradable, biocompatible, and eco-friendly, making it suitable for topical drug delivery. Further in vivo and stability studies are needed for clinical and commercial validation.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Satish Mendake, Rehan Sayyed, Sanket Shewalkar, Sarvajeet Shinde, Shubham Shinde, Dhanraj Solapure. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.