Development of Topical Patches Releasing Allicin Using Garlic Extract

The study developed topical patches for sustained release of allicin, aimed at treating hair loss in Alopecia areata. These patches were made using garlic extract from fresh and aged garlic, as well as commercially pure allicin. The patches demonstrated good physicochemical properties, with no significant difference in allicin diffusion across cellulose membranes among different formulations. However, the addition of ethanol enhanced allicin diffusion. Specifically, a patch containing fresh garlic extract and ethanol showed a 79.94% diffusion rate over 20 hours, with improved flux and permeability compared to a reference patch using mashed garlic. The study concluded that these patches offered a promising, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to commercial allicin products.