CONSEQUENCE OF CALENDULA OIL ON THE IN- VITRO PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM

Terpenes are widely used as penetration enhancers in transdermal drug delivery systems. Calendula oil also contains different terpenes. The enhancing effect of calendula oil on the in- vitro percutaneous absorption of diclofenac sodium (DFS) from carbopol gels containing propylene glycol was investigated. Permeation experiments were performed on artificial skin membrane. The permeation effect of calendula oil on DFS was compared with geraniol and menthol (mild accelerants). The enhancing effect of calendula oil was found to be more as compared with geraniol and menthol. However, although the addition of calendula oil increased DFS flux; diffusional lag times were longer than for the control gel.