Formulation and evaluation of transdermal patch for Diclofenac sodium using Prosopis juliflora and guar gum as a natural polymer

This research focuses on the formulation and evaluation of matrix-type transdermal patches containing Diclofenac Sodium. The patches were developed using both natural polymers (Guar gum, Prosopis seed gum) and synthetic polymers (HPMC), with PEG-400 as a plasticizer. Solvent casting method was employed, and five different formulations (F1-F5) were prepared. Evaluation included thickness, folding endurance, drug content, moisture content, FTIR spectroscopy, and in vitro drug diffusion using Franz diffusion cell. Among all, F3 demonstrated the highest cumulative drug release (94.12% over 12 hours) and best physicochemical stability. Kinetic studies revealed diffusion-based release following the Higuchi model. This study concludes that F3 is a stable and promising transdermal delivery system for Diclofenac Sodium.