Lipid based nanocarriers: A novel paradigm for topical antifungal therapy

Abstract Superficial fungal infections manifesting the skin have become prevalent today. Even though there has been a substantial number of antifungal drugs approved for treating topical fungal infections, they pose certain pitfalls relating to their physicochemical properties. Conventional delivery systems like creams, lotions, and gels are available for the delivery of these antifungal agents. However, these dosage forms are associated with certain obstacles including poor drug penetration and retention resulting in diminished efficacy, drug related hypersensitivity and sensitization reactions and so on. Nanoformulations have gained tremendous importance to overcome such flaws corresponding to the conventional delivery systems. Out of a plethora of nanoformulations, lipid based nanocarriers have become predominant for topical drug delivery against superficial fungal infections. In this review, we epitomize the significance of lipid based nanocarriers as a potential delivery system against superficial fungal infections. This review briefly describes superficial fungal skin infections and portrays some potentially unravelling mechanistic insights, herbal drug delivery through lipid based nanocarriers, influence on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profile, safety and regulatory considerations for the researchers in the field with a view to improve the current antifungal therapy.