Interdisciplinarity traditional Chinese medicine microneedles in skin disease treatment: Recent advances and challenges.

ABSTRACT: Microneedle technology in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represents an innovative transdermal delivery system that integrates natural bioactive components with advanced delivery platforms. This synergy offers a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin diseases, characterized by enhanced transdermal permeability, improved efficacy, and reduced side effects. This review systematically delineates the current landscape of TCM microneedles for dermatological applications. We begin by introducing four major categories of key active TCM ingredients-flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides-elaborating on their botanical sources, pharmacological properties, and contemporary delivery strategies. Subsequently, existing TCM microneedle systems are categorized into five type

SUBMITTER: Cao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12513212 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature