Dermatological conditions, such as acne, photoaging, psoriasis, and wounds, have been treated topically with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for many years owing to its anti-inflammatory activity, comedolytic effect, and ability to increase collagen production. However, common side effects of ATRA known as the retinoid reaction can occur. These side effects are countered by ATRA encapsulation in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and liposomes. Liposomes used to encapsulate ATRA include niosomes, ethosomes, and transfersomes. Side effects involving inflammatory reactions, such as irritation, redness, and erythema, were diminished using these approaches. The use of such carriers enhanced the efficacy of ATRA by enhancing its permeation into skin. These formulations have been compared in terms of improving the activity of ATRA and the ability to relieve the side effects. Further research into different delivery systems for ATRA using various formulations will improve the future of topical ATRA delivery.

Hyperpigmentation affects people globally with negative psychological impacts. Piper betle L. leaf (PBL) extract has many benefits including skin lightening which may reduce hyperpigmentation. The objective of this study was to develop an effective skin-lightening cream containing PBL with ideal characteristics. A formulation of base cream and PBL cream was prepared and characterized by centrifugation, particle size and zeta potential analysis, rheological profile studies and physical properties’ observation. In vivo studies on 30 human subjects tested the effects of base and PBL cream on skin-lightening, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and elasticity through weekly tests 4 weeks in duration. Base and PBL creams had a non-Newtonian property with acceptable color, odor, texture, zeta potential, particle size and showed no phase separation. The in vivo study indicated a significant reduction in melanin content and an improvement in skin tone for PBL cream but not in base cream. TEWL and elasticity also showed significant reduction for both formulations, indicating a healthier skin barrier and supple skin with consistent use, although hydration fluctuated with no significant changes. The developed PBL cream showed significant results in the reduction in melanin content and improving skin tone, which shows the formulation can confer skin-lightening effect.

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Advanced drug delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes and phytosomes significantly influence the quality of synthetic drug formulations. However, the trend is now shifting towards natural-based moieties, most probably because of their promising therapeutic responses, and considerably lower incidence of side effects and toxicity issues. The effectiveness of herbal plant formulations in nano-sized particles in the delivery of active compounds is increased since nanoparticles offer a larger surface area and promote longer contact time with the surfaces of the targeted sites. Thus, nanoparticles allow the sustained release of small amounts of active compounds and the optimization of the dosing frequency of the drug. The implementation of nanotechnology in the development of natural-based products is able to enhance the delivery of plant extracts and active phytochemicals to the targeted sites. In fact, maximum therapeutic outcomes can be achieved since the herbal formulations are more stable compared to traditional preparations. The development of herbal formulations in modern drug delivery systems will be further discussed in this review. The possible improvement of phytosomes is highlighted in order to give future insights into improvising phytosomes as a targeted drug carrier system. A compilation of evidence-based studies involving the nanotechnology of herbal formulations is summarized accordingly. The use of modern technology in herbal drug delivery systems has been growing in past decades and needs to be further explored by scientists. Hence, at the end of this review, a brief summary is given of a few success stories regarding modern nano formulations that have been commercialized by leading herbal companies and which can be considered as great achievements in this field. Thus, this review is aimed at exploring the use of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems and discusses their contribution to the design of modern herbal formulations.