Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF FILM-FORMING SPRAYS FOR TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY CONTAINING BOSWELLIA SERRATA EXTRACT

Vishakha B. Satpute*, Sagar S. Mule, Sunil D. Kolhe

ABSTRACT

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of plant-derived extracts for the treatment and management of various diseases due to their therapeutic efficacy and relatively lower incidence of adverse drug reactions compared to synthetic drugs. Among these medicinal plants, Boswellia serrata Roxb., belonging to the family Burseraceae, has gained significant attention for its diverse pharmacological properties. The oleo-gum resin obtained from the bark of Boswellia serrata, commonly known as Salai Guggul, Indian Olibanum, or Indian Frankincense, contains boswellic acids as its major bioactive constituents. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects. Due to its potent anti-inflammatory activity, Boswellia serrata has been extensively investigated for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, arthritis, wound healing, and other chronic diseases. Film-forming sprays have emerged as a novel and promising approach for topical drug delivery, offering advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, prolonged drug residence time, reduced skin irritation, improved patient compliance, and accelerated wound healing. These formulations form thin, transparent, and flexible films upon application to the skin, providing sustained and controlled release of active ingredients. Film-forming systems typically consist of drugs, polymers, solvents, plasticizers, and penetration enhancers, which together create an invisible drug reservoir on the skin surface for gradual absorption. Both natural and synthetic polymers can be employed to optimize film characteristics and drug delivery performance. Evaluation parameters such as drying time, film flexibility, adhesion, stickiness, and drug permeation play crucial roles in determining formulation efficacy and patient acceptability. The incorporation of Boswellia serrata extract into a film-forming spray system represents an innovative strategy for enhancing topical delivery of boswellic acids, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness while maintaining patient convenience. Although preliminary studies have demonstrated encouraging results, further research is required to establish the clinical efficacy, safety, and commercial potential of Boswellia serrata-loaded film-forming sprays as advanced topical drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Boswellia serrata, film-forming solution, film-forming polymer, topical drug delivery.