¹Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
²Department of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand DOI : 10.29228/jrp.742 Piper nigrum L. or black pepper is a well-known spice which is also used in herbal medicine. It has been used as a single herb and in a formula to treat many conditions such as muscle pain. This study develops a transdermal patch using natural rubber latex as a base and infused with P.nigrum extract. The physicochemical properties of the prepared patches were optimized with the addition of plasticizers, which are dibutyl phthalate, polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerin. The efficiency of the transdermal patches was evaluated by measuring the releasing profile of piperine, the main active component of P.nigrum. Other physical characteristics were measured by the tensile strength, moisture uptake, swelling rate and erosion rate. In conclusion, the formulation with the additives of dibutyl phthalate and glycerin showed good piperine release profile and mechanical properties. Keywords : Transdermal patch; Piper nigrum L.; black pepper extract; natural rubber latex; plasticizer