K. Cal et al., In vitro studies on penetration of terpenes from matrix-type transdermal systems through human skin, INT J PHARM, 224(1-2), 2001, pp. 81-88
Polyurethane matrices containing up to 39% of the terpenes eucalyptol, L-li
monene, D-limonene, dipentene or terpinolene were produced. Release of the
terpenes directly to the acceptor fluid, as well as through isolated human
epidermis and dermis, was studied. In the presence of dermis the penetratio
n profiles were very similar to the release profiles, indicating that dermi
s does not present a barrier for penetration of terpenes., For all terpenes
the penetration was slower in the presence of epidermis (K-p was in the ra
nge 0.21-1.8 x 10(-3) cm/h). Release and penetration through the epidermis
and dermis were fastest for dipenetene (mixture of D-limonene and L-limonen
e), being at least 3-4 times faster than for D-limonene and L-limonene. Lar
ge amounts of terpenes found in epidermis (approximately 1.5 mg/cm(2)) indi
cate that affinity of these compounds to the stratum corneum is very high.
(C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.