Clay Minerals in Pharmaceutical Formulations

The use of clay minerals in pharmaeeutieal formulations was described by many authors (Del Pozo 1978, 1979 Gala n et al., 1985 Bech, 1987 Cornejo, Kaolinite, talc, palygorskite and smectites are used for therapeutic purposes in pharmaceutical formulations as active principles or excipients. The possible use of sepiolite as active principle or excipient in pharmaceutical formulations was also investigated and there are commercial medicines that include sepiolite in its composition (as active principle and excipient). The fundamental properties for which clay minerals are used in pharmaceutical formulations are high specific area and having sorptive capacity and favourable rheological characteristics. 

7 MAIN PROPERTIES OF CLAY MINERALS USEFUL IN AESTHETIC MEDICINES 

Appropriate rheological properties for the formation of a viscous and consistent paste and good properties for easy application, and adherence to the skin during treatment. 

High heat-retention capacity As heat is also a therapeutic agent, clay minerals are applied hot to treat chronic rheumatic inflammations, spot traumatisms and dermatological problems. 

High sorption capacity Clays can eliminate excess grease and toxins from skin, and hence are very effective against dermatological diseases such as boils, acne, ulcers, abscess and seborrhoea. An organic active principle can also be incorporated into the clay mineral before its application to the patient s skin for therapeutic purposes. 

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