ABSTRACT:
Skin is a constitutional and the most easily manageable organ of the body. The objective of transdermal drug delivery system is to cross the stratum corneum. Various methods have been used to escalate the penetration rate of drugs. Ethosomes are the most pioneering vesicular system with eminent level of ethanol present in it which ensures better penetration of drugs into deeper strata of skin. Ethosomes are mainly focused on the transdermal delivery of drugs. Transdermal delivery of drugs is a self-reliant, distinct dosage form which delivers the drug via skin at a meticulous rate to the blood when applied to the skin. These carriers are premeditated for their proficient conveyance of drugs or therapeutic agents. Even though ethosomal systems are theoretically sophisticated, they are much easier to prepare, safer and efficient when used in combination which has a high impact on their application. This article provides a detailed information about the ethosomal system, the types of ethosomes based on their components to classical ethosomes, binary ethosomes and transethosomes and their method of preparation. Evaluation parameters such as vesicle morphology, vesicle size and size distribution, zeta potential, percent entrapment efficiency, permeation distinctiveness, surface tension measurement, physical stability, transition temperature, vesicle-skin interaction study are deliberated. Numerous applications of ethosomes to treat various diseases were also discussed in this article. Ethosomes offers an enormous number of significant aids including improving the efficacy of drug, enhancing patient acquiescence and comfort and reducing the total cost of treatment. Ethosomes are innovative carriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents.