Transdermal & Vaginal Herbal Formulations for Maternal Care
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
The physiological and hormonal changes of pregnancy and the postpartum period can predispose women to local dermatitis, stretch marks, infections, inflammation, vaginal complaints and musculoskeletal pain. Owing to their natural origin, biocompatibility, minimal side effects and therapeutic potential, herbal formulations have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional therapies. This chapter discusses the formulation of transdermal and vaginal herbal medicines for maternal care, their therapeutic potential and clinical relevance. Transdermal herbal delivery systems such as creams, gels, patches, oils and sprays provide localized and systemic activity while avoiding first-pass metabolism and enhancing patient compliance, with herbal ingredients including aloe vera, turmeric, calendula, neem, lavender and chamomile studied for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, analgesic and skin-protective properties. Vaginal products such as pessaries, suppositories, gels and herbal washes are formulated against vaginal infections, irritation, dryness and microbial imbalance. The chapter also addresses formulation strategies, selection of herbal bioactives and excipients, safety and toxicological assessment, quality control, regulatory aspects and recent advances in nanoformulations and bioadhesive platforms for improved maternal and fetal well-being.
Author Affiliations
- 1 TIFAC CORE in Herbal Drugs, Department of Pharmacognosy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty-643001, Tamil Nadu, India.
- 2 Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty-643001, Tamil Nadu, India.
- 3 Reliance Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India.