Development and Characterization of Herbal Constituents-Loaded Ointment as Dual Drug Delivery System for Vitiligo Management

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder affecting approximately 4% of the global population, with limited effective treatment options. Advances in novel delivery systems have opened new avenues for improving drug penetration and therapeutic outcomes in such dermatological conditions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a dual drug delivery system combining piperine-loaded transferosomes (TS) and psoralen-based ointment for the management of vitiligo. Transferosomes were prepared using a factorial design approach and optimized based on vesicle characteristics, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release. The optimized piperine-loaded TS were incorporated into a psoralen-containing ointment to enhance topical delivery. The combined formulation was characterized for physicochemical parameters, diffusion behavior, antibacterial activity, and stability. Results indicated sustained drug release and good formulation stability, suggesting efficient skin permeation and therapeutic potential. The developed dual delivery system may serve as a promising approach for the effective topical management of vitiligo and associated skin infections.